Over 100 arrests in UK police bill protest

More than 100 people have been arrested in London during protests against government plans to increase police powers.

Thousands marched in towns and cities across the country on Saturday to protest the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, defying coronavirus restrictions.

Police said the "Kill the Bill" protests were mostly peaceful and most of those taking part observed social distancing.

They said a small number of people were intent on causing disruptions or assaulting police, with 107 arrests made.

The force said 10 officers had been injured, although none of the injuries were believed to be serious.

The proposed legislation would give police in England and Wales more powers to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance.

It has angered activists, who fear the bill will be used to curb dissent and infringes on the right to protest.

A recent protest against the new police legislation in Bristol, southwest England, descended into widespread violence that saw police officers injured, a police station damaged and police vehicles torched.