Derbyshire Police’s chief constable speaks out after liking tweet in support of ‘Kill the Bill’ protest

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.

It 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.

Derbyshire 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.”

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor

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