Several hooded protestors kicked in the glass windows of Bridewell police station in Bristol to cheers of the crowd as officers regrouped inside.

Others climbed on to the roof scrawling ‘f*** the police’ in graffiti on the side of the building after officers suffered “suspected broken arms and ribs” in skirmishes across the city.

A skateboarder completes a trick in front of a burning police van

Police dogs were used to keep some at bay as fireworks were aimed at the crowds. Others tried to set fire to a police van’s tyres before it was extinguished by riot cops.

Another van, left unattended by police, was later set on fire by the group.

Officers suffered suspected broken bones as violent scenes unfolded in Bristol city centre.

Demonstrators throw objects after climbing a police station

Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the actions of the minority of protestors on Twitter.

She said: “Unacceptable scenes in Bristol tonight. Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated.

“Police officers put themselves in harm's way to protect us all.

“My thoughts this evening are with those police officers injured.”

Hundreds had gathered at College Green in Bristol before marching to the police station on nearby Bridewell Street.

Pictures showed graffiti being sprayed on an Avon and Somerset Police vehicle and it being rocked side to side by protesters.

Police said missiles had been thrown at them, including a firework, and that they have been verbally abused.

Other pictures showed mounted officers intervening to disperse the large crowd that had gathered outside the New Bridewell police station.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “For five years Bristol has built homes, fed its families, prioritised mental health, recruited black and Asian magistrates, organised work experience for our young people who are least likely to be able to get it, we have addressed poverty and introduced a whole new city approach to welcome in and support refugees and asylum seekers.

“That’s what matters, that is what makes a difference. Smashing buildings, injuring police officers and burning cars will do nothing to support the children experiencing digital exclusion, or the women, men and children looking for refuge from domestic violence and abuse.”

Andy Roebuck, chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: “Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals who are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property.

“Avon and Somerset Police Federation are attending stations to support officers. We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs. This is so wrong.”

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Horrendous scenes in Bristol.

“Number of officers badly injured, police vehicles damaged and a police station under attack.

“This is not protest, it’s just mindless violence. Thoughts are with my colleagues.”

Police hold back people outside Bridewell police station in Bristol

Darren Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, said: “The scenes in Bristol this evening are completely unacceptable.

“You don’t campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire or graffitiing buildings.

“Avon and Somerset Police were on duty today to facilitate a peaceful protest not to deal with criminal behaviour.”

“The protest is now focused on Bridewell Street so we’d advise motorists to avoid this area,” a police spokesman said.

“We’re aware of a small number of incidences of criminal damage during the afternoon, including graffiti, and these will be investigated.

“Officers are continuing to deal with a smaller number of protesters in Bridewell Street.

“They’ve had projectiles thrown at them, including a firework, and have been verbally abused.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and those responsible for offences will be identified and brought to justice.”

The Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance.

Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail.

Protesters set fire to a vandalised police van outside Bridewell Police Station

Mass gatherings are currently banned under the coronavirus legislation and anyone breaching the regulations could be fined.

Many were wearing face masks and carried placards, saying: “Say no to UK police state” and “Freedom to protest is fundamental to democracy” and “Kill the Bill”.

Avon and Somerset Police had urged people not to attend the demonstration, warning that enforcement action could be taken.

It comes the day after anti-Lockdown protests in central London resulted in 33 arrests as police were pelted with bottles and flares.