In pictures: Kill the Bill Bristol protest turns violent

Police vehicles were set alight as scene turned ugly

Police officers have been hurt during a protest in the centre of Bristol that turned violent.

Crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill.

Windows of a police station were smashed, riot vans and police cars were set on fire amid tense scenes in the centre of the city.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: "Smashing buildings in our city centre, vandalising vehicles, attacking our police will do nothing to lessen the likelihood of the Bill going through.

"On the contrary, the lawlessness on show will be used as evidence and promote the need for the Bill."

The protest centred around New Bridewell police station in the centre of Bristol

Several riot vans and police cars were set on fire during the protest that started peacefully

Protesters scaled the police station roof and threw fireworks into the crowd

Police in riot gear pushed back against the crowd of thousands in Bristol city centre

Rioters smashed the windows of the building

Crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill

Riot officers pushed the protesters back away from the police station

"You don't campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire", Bristol North West MP Darren Jones says

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel says "Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated"

.