Police identify 17 suspects as Home Secretary Priti Patel calls tearing down slave trader Edward Colston's statue 'utterly disgraceful' and black Bristol mayor says it WILL be fished out of docks - but should be put in a museum
Police have identified 17 suspects involved in the tearing down of a statue of a slave trader in Bristol as Home Secretary Priti Patel brands the move 'utterly disgraceful'.
Protesters ripped down the sculpture of 17th century politician Edward Colston and dumped it in the harbour yesterday as thousands across Britain demonstrated the death of George Floyd in America.
The statue, which had been in place since 1895, had been a subject of controversy in recent years and the most recent petition to remove it garnered more than 11,000 signatures.
Demonstrators, packed together despite social distancing guidelines, heaved the monument down with ropes before they cheered, danced around it and placed their knees on its neck in a similar way to how Mr Floyd died.
Ms Patel branded the move 'utterly disgraceful' but the black mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said he felt no sense of loss for the statue as he confirmed it will be fished out of the docks and should be put in a museum.
Protesters tied ropes around the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol city centre, before tearing it to the ground on Sunday
Protesters in Bristol were heard laughing and cheering as the statue of the slave trader was toppled by demonstrators
Shocked protesters watched the statue fall, before it was then dragged to Bristol Harbourside and dumped into the water
Two people stand on the plinth the statute of Edward Colston used to occupy and hold aloft their Black Lives Matter placards
Ms Patel (left) hit out at the 'unacceptable vandalism and disorder' during the protests and said the police should 'make sure justice is undertaken'. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees (right), who is black, said the statue was still underwater but confirmed it would be fished out at some point and should be put in a museum
The Harbour Master today checks the depth of the area of water where the statue of Edward Colston was dumped during a Black Lives Matter protest on Sunday to make sure its not a navigational hazard
Police initially said they were hunting 'a small group of people who had clearly committed an act of criminal damage'.
But one of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's top officers revealed this morning the force had identified 17 suspects. Superintendent Andy Bennett appeared on local radio to talk about the protests.
When asked how he would feel seeing the culprits potentially appear before a court for their actions, he said police were 'duty-bound' to look into it.
He told the BBC: 'As a police officer, I don't get to choose which laws I uphold and which I don't. We are duty-bound to investigate this.
'We know and have identified 17 main offenders in terms of tearing it down and an investigation is underway.'
But the Home Secretary was uncompromising and hit out at the 'sheer vandalism and disorder' seen in Bristol.
She said: 'I think that is utterly disgraceful. That speaks to the acts of public disorder that actually have become a distraction from the cause that people are actually protesting.
'Sheer vandalism and disorder is completely unacceptable and its right the police follow up on that and make sure justice is undertaken.'
An estimated 10,000 protesters marched through Bristol as Avon and Somerset police said although they were in breach of lockdown regulations, it understood why people wanted to gather.
Bristol Mayor Mr Rees told BBC Radio Bristol: '[The statue] is still underwater. At some point it will [be fished out] but we've a number of priorities in the city at the moment, not least trying to face up to an £80million gap in our budget that we've been left with by national Government not funding us adequately for Covid.'
He added: 'I think that there's a really incredible opportunity to talk about ourselves and to make a decision about what we think should go on a plinth in the city to tell us about who we are, not just who we are but who we want to be and to really use that as a place to celebrate something about ourselves, the best of ourselves.
'What I would look forward to is having that city discussion. In the meantime it's highly likely that the Colston statue will end up in one of our museums.'
It comes after protesters and police in London clashed in Whitehall, with fireworks being thrown on the ground and one officer being treated for what appeared to be a cut to the face.
Police were attacked with bottles and traffic cones, while footage shows some protesters trying to calm the crowds.
In nearby Parliament Square, a statue of Winston Churchill was defaced, with the words 'was a racist' written under the wartime prime minister's name.
A total of 36 people were arrested during the protests in London for offences including violent disorder, criminal damage and assaulting police.
Across the country the crowds marched close together - despite repeated warnings for the public to avoid protests and obey social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Downing Street said tearing down the Colston statue in Bristol was a 'criminal act' and issues such as the monument to the slave trader should be addressed through democratic processes.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The PM's view is that in this country, where there is strong opinion, there is a democratic process which should be followed.
'People can campaign for the removal of a statue but what happened yesterday was a criminal act and when the criminal law is broken that is unacceptable and the police will want to hold to account those responsible.'
The spokesman added: 'The PM absolutely understands the strength of feeling, but in this country we settle our differences democratically and if people wanted the removal of the statue there are democratic routes which can be followed.'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the statue should not have been torn down by protesters but added it was wrong for the monument to have remained in place for so long.
On LBC Radio he said: 'It shouldn't be done in that way. Completely wrong to pull a statute down like that.'
Once the statue was on the ground, protesters began to pose next to it, placing their knees on its neck in protest over the death of George Floyd
A protester stands atop the fallen statue of Bristol-born English merchant, philanthropist, slave trader, and Member of Parliament Edward Colston
An estimated 10,000 protesters gathered in Bristol on Sunday to march through the city to protest against racism and discrimination. Avon and Somerset police have said that although the protests are a breach in lockdown regulations, they understand why people want to gather
The statue was then rolled by protesters towards Bristol Harbourside, where slave ships would have once docked
Graffiti covered the statue to Edward Colston, a slave trader who invested his money back into the town of Bristol. He has become a controversial figure in the city, with thousands previously calling for the statue to be removed peacefully
After years of controversy, protesters took matter into their own hands by tearing down the statue of Edward Colston and throwing it into Bristol harbour
Protesters cheered as they forced a monument into the water at Bristol Harbourside. Home Secretary Priti Patel said the actions of protesters were 'utterly disgraceful'
After pulling the monument to one of Bristol's most famous sons to the ground, protesters dropped it in the city's harbour
Crowds packed side by side, with no room for social distancing, at Bristol's harbour this afternoon to watch the statue as it was thrown into the water
Having torn the monument down, demonstrators plunged the statue into the waters at Bristol harbour, cheered on by thousands
A statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, London, was defaced on Sunday afternoon by Black Lives Matter protesters. A sign declaring 'Black Lives Matter' was also stuck to the statue of the wartime prime minister
Protesters raised their fists and took a knee in front of the defaced Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square, London yesterday
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid also condemned it, writing: 'I grew up in Bristol. I detest how Edward Colston profited from the slave trade. But, THIS IS NOT OK. If Bristolians wants to remove a monument it should be done democratically - not by criminal damage.'
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage added: 'If Boris Johnson won't lead and stand up for the country, as its symbols are trashed, then people will start taking it into their own hands. Full on race riots are now possible. Show leadership and fast.'
But many Labour MPs tweeted in solidarity with the protesters who pulled down the statue. Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, wrote: 'If statues of confederates who fought a war for slavery & white supremacy shld come down then why not this one?
'Someone responsible for immeasurable blood & suffering. We'll never solve structural racism till we get to grips with our history in all its complexity.'
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central, quote-tweeted a video of the statue being thrown into the harbour, captioning her post with a clenched fist emoji and the words 'This caused me to exhale'.
Westworld and Casino Royale actor Jeffrey Wright wrote: 'Gorgeous. F*** him. Imagine the human beings who met a similar fate during the middle passage...like 19,300 of the 84,500+ African men, women & children purchased, branded and forced onto Royal African Company (his company) ships from 1680-1692.'
Bishop of Bristol Viv Faul wrote: 'After today's march for justice for black people and the fall of the statue of Colston, let's repent of the evils of our slave trading past, the racism of so many years and the institutional oppression which is still so powerful and let's build Bristol as a city of hope for all.'
Labour peer Andrew Adonis tweeted: 'I hope no action is taken against those who removed mass slave trader Edward Colston's statue. This should have happened decades ago. His name has been removed from other monuments in Bristol. No way should we be celebrating slave traders today.'
Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga said one of the main problems the statue caused was that people did not understand why it was a source of upset for many in the city.
'This is a city that is about 14 per cent BAME with a statue of somebody who was not just a slave trader, he was involved in the Royal Africa Company, the company that trafficked more people into slavery than any in British history,' he told BBC News.
'The fact that it has not been seen as a problem for such a long time, that so many people are confused as to why the statue offends and upsets so many people, has been the problem.'
Protests in the US have seen Confederate statues toppled or removed during recent rallies. Among the monuments to be torn down was a 129-year-old statue of Confederate General Williams Carter Wickham, which was removed on Saturday.
Supt Bennett said: 'The Black Lives Matter demonstration in Bristol today was attended by an estimated 10,000 people.
'The vast majority of those who came to voice their concerns about racial inequality and injustice did so peacefully and respectfully.
'The ongoing coronavirus pandemic added a different dynamic to what was always going to be a challenging policing operation.
'And I'd like to thank the organisers for their efforts to encourage demonstrators to follow Government guidance – a message which many clearly took on board, doing their best to socially distance despite the large crowds.
'Keeping the public safe was our greatest priority and thankfully there were no instances of disorder and no arrests were made.
'However, there was a small group of people who clearly committed an act of criminal damage in pulling down a statue near Bristol Harbourside.
'An investigation will be carried out to identify those involved and we're already collating footage of the incident.
'I'd like to thank our partners at Bristol City Council for helping us to ensure this was a safe event for all who attended.'
BLM protesters in Bristol city centre. The Edward Colston statue has been pulled down by Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters
BLM protesters in Bristol city centre. The Edward Colston statue has been pulled down by Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters in Bristol. Colston was a 17th century slave trader who has numerous landmarks named after him
Bristol: A woman wears a #BML face mask at a demonstration in College Green, Bristol, in memory of George Floyd
London: Protesters hold placards as they attend a demonstration outside the US Embassy in London on June 7, organised to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement
Along with the tobacco trade, Colston's wealth helped to develop Bristol in the 17th century. as used much of his riches, accrued from his extensive slave trading, to build schools and almshouses in his home city.
He donated money to causes in and around Bristol before his death in 1721 - including to the city's churches, founded almshouses, Queen Elizabeth's Hospital School, and founding a religious school for boys.
According to Historic England, his involvement in the slave trade was the source of much of the money which he bestowed in the city.
The Society of Merchant Venturers (SMV), which plays an active role in managing three institutions that bear Edward Colston's name, tweeted: 'As people around the world, in the UK & here in Bristol, take a stand against racial injustice, we are committed to educating ourselves about systemic racism & its impact.
'We have a responsibility to identify & challenge racism & inequality in all that we do & wherever we see it.'
Campaign group Countering Colston has called for an end to Bristol 'publicly celebrating' the controversial figure, and for the city to recognise the 'true history of transatlantic slavery, colonialism and exploitation'.
An 11,000-strong petition said the statue of Colston had 'no place' in Bristol's 'beloved' city centre.
In a victory for campaigners, Colston Hall - Bristol's largest concert hall - announced in 2017 it would be re-branding, while a school formerly known as Colston's Primary School was renamed last year.
Will Taylor, 29, who attended Sunday's demonstration in the heart of Bristol said: 'Colston's statue was a constant reminder that Britain would rather uphold it's idea of a euro centric history, than acknowledge the stories of the victims who suffered for his success.
'Today, those victims were given their voice back. We can either rebuild together or let our history tighten it's noose around our gasping throats.'
Fellow protester Ryah Baker 23 added: 'Despite it being an act of 'criminal damage', it was powerful to see the statue get pulled down and black men stand its place.
'I remember when paint was thrown on the statue a few years ago and have since found it challenging seeing a statue of a slave owner being celebrated in such a way. This is particularly as I find Bristol a welcoming and diverse city.
'While this has been a significant part of the the BLM protest in Bristol, this should not undermine the hard work of the organisers. It was a well executed event which brought people together and was incredibly powerful.'
Protests across the country showed little room for social distancing, though some protesters were wearing masks as they took to the streets this weekend. In Glasgow protesters kept their distance as they clapped during a demonstration.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is 'undoubtedly a risk' that there will be an increase in coronavirus cases following the protests.
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday he supported the protesters' arguments, but urged: 'Please don't gather in groups of more than six people because there is also a pandemic that we must address and control.
Fireworks were let off as police tried to control a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Whitehall, London on Sunday evening
Police medics were out treating officers after clashes with protesters in Whitehall, London on Sunday afternoon
Black Lives Matter protesters waved flags and signs in Parliament Square during the latest day of demonstrations since the death of George Floyd in the US
Demonstrators climbed onto buildings in Whitehall as protests filled the streets of London and other major cities on Sunday
Outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Whitehall, Black Lives Matter protesters gathered and waved signs
Grime artist Stormzy was at the protest rally in Parliament Square on Sunday afternoon, joined by thousands of other protesters
Police were wielding batons as they handled crowds in Whitehall, while protests took place up and down the country
Edinburgh: Black Lives Matter protest in Holyrood Park, despite a call by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and others to find other forms of protest because of lockdown rules and coronavirus fears
'And so we've got to make the argument, we've got to make further progress, on top of the significant progress that has been made in recent years, but we've got to do it in a way that's safe and controls the virus.'
Yesterday's protests were the latest in a series of rallies in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, who died after a police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis.
The M6 was closed as protesters walked down the carriageway. One eyewitness said there were around 100 people taking part and that they were chanting 'Black Lives Matter' over and over again.
Many on the motorway going the other way got out of their cars to watch the protests which began at around 5pm. One motorist said the crowd blocked off the road with cones before police arrived to manage the traffic.
On Saturday a police officer suffered a broken collar bone, broken ribs and a collapsed lung after falling from a horse at a London protest.
The mounted officer is still receiving treatment in hospital but is likely to be off duty for four months while she recovers, the Metropolitan Police Federation revealed.
She was flung violently into traffic lights outside Downing Street in central London after a protester hurled a bike and other missiles at her horse, causing the animal to bolt riderless back down Whitehall.
Federation Chairman Ken Marsh the officer thrown from the horse is 'a hero'. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has said assaults on officers at an anti-racism rally were 'shocking and completely unacceptable'.
She said 14 officers were injured during clashes with a minority of protesters in central London on Saturday following a peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstration.
Protesters were out in central London, above, as well as other major cities in Britain on Sunday to continue Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US
Police detained one masks protester near Downing Street during Sunday's Black Lives Matter demonstration in London
Crowds were packed outside Downing Street on Sunday evening as Black Lives Matter protests took place across Britain
Police and protesters were packed around Whitehall on Sunday, some wore face masks but few were able to keep two metres apart to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19
Clashes in Whitehall saw police pushing protesters away on Sunday after a day of Black Lives Matter demonstrations
Police and demonstrators clashed in Whitehall this afternoon after thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters arrived in London
Police armed with batons attempted to push back protesters in Whitehall on Sunday after officers clashed with demonstrators
Protesters were also seen lying on the ground after the Black Lives Matter demonstration headed to Whitehall, London
While statues were defaced or torn down, signs were also placed on monuments to the likes of Nelson Mandela, who helped end apartheid in South Africa
Protesters were in Parliament Square, London, on Sunday afternoon as Black Lives Matter demonstrations continue to take place across Britain
Signs were placed around a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square on Sunday, a statue of Winston Churchill had the words 'was a racist' scrawled underneath
Edinburgh: Black Lives Matter protest in Holyrood Park, despite a call by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and others to find other forms of protest because of lockdown rules and coronavirus fears, June 7
Middlesbrough: People take a knee as they demonstrate during a protest in Middlesbrough town centre to show support for George Floyd on June 7
Glasgow: Thousands of people defy the coronavirus lockdown order to take part in the demonstration held to condemn the killing of George Floyd
Edinburgh: A man kneels during a Black Lives Matter protest in Edinburgh on Sunday, following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis
Bristol: People take part in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in College Green, Bristol, in memory of George Floyd who was killed on May 25 while in police custody in the US city of Minneapolis
Manchester: Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is 'undoubtedly a risk' that there will be an increase in coronavirus cases following protests
Middlesbrough: Protesters kneel in Middlesbrough, Teesside outside the Mima Art Gallery, Central Square
Middlesbrough: Demonstrators hold signs saying 'black lives matter' and 'defund the white system' in Teesside yesterday
The force said 14 people had been arrested after tensions escalated while Dame Cressida said in a statement that there was 'no place for violence' in the capital.
'I am deeply saddened and depressed that a minority of protesters became violent towards officers in central London yesterday evening,' Dame Cressida said.
'This led to 14 officers being injured, in addition to 13 hurt in earlier protests this week.
'We have made a number of arrests and justice will follow. The number of assaults is shocking and completely unacceptable.
'I know many who were seeking to make their voices heard will be as appalled as I am by those scenes. There is no place for violence in our city.
'Officers displayed extreme patience and professionalism throughout a long and difficult day, and I thank them for that.'
Sadiq Khan said that while the majority of protesters were peaceful, pockets of violence was 'simply not acceptable'.
Police identify 17 suspects as Home Secretary Priti Patel calls tearing down slave trader Edward Colston's statue 'utterly disgraceful' and black Bristol mayor says it WILL be fished out of docks - but should be put in a museum
![Police identify 17 suspects as Home Secretary Priti Patel calls tearing down slave trader Edward Colston's statue 'utterly disgraceful' and black Bristol mayor says it WILL be fished out of docks - but should be put in a museum]()
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