Derbyshire Police’s chief constable speaks out after liking tweet in support of ‘Kill the Bill’ protest
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Chief Constable, Rachel Swann, said she liked the tweet in error and removed it as soon as she realised.
The original post, by Guardian columnist Owen Jones, relates to a demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill which included protesters stoning a police station and throwing fireworks into the crowd.
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Hide AdIt read: “If the government attempts to criminalise peaceful protest, and police are set on women at a vigil, the scenes tonight in Bristol become an inevitability.
"No justice, no peace" isn't best understood as a threat, but as a statement of the glaringly obvious.”
Avon and Somerset Police said what started "as a peaceful protest" had been "turned by a small minority into a violent disorder.”
Two police vehicles were set on fire, damage was caused to a police station, one officer suffered a broken arm and another broken ribs, the force added.
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Hide AdDerbyshire Constabulary said: “Derbyshire’s Chief Constable Rachel Swann inadvertently liked a tweet last night in error. As soon as she realised, it was removed.”
Speaking of the scenes in Bristol, Chief Constable Swann added: “I am horrified to see what has been happening in Bristol and our thoughts are with our brave Avon and Somerset colleagues.
“We wish a speedy recovery to the injured officers. No one should have to go to work under fear of being attacked doing their jobs. The action of a violent few is wholly unacceptable.”