Hundreds of people are currently protesting against the government's controversial new policing bill in Brighton.

More than 300 people have turned out at The Level for the latest 'Kill the Bill' protest this afternoon (March 27).

The group has marched to the police station in John Street where cries of "all cops are b*****s" have been heard.

It follows other protests held earlier this month, and comes in the wake of violent scenes in Bristol on Friday night, where 10 arrests were made following clashes between protesters and police.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill includes measures to increase sentences for certain types of crime, and increases police powers over the right to protest.

According to the government, the measures set would allow the police to take a more proactive approach to managing protests that cause serious disruption to the public.

The move follows high-profile protests in recent years, including demonstrations from Extinction Rebellion.

But campaigners and human rights groups have warned that the measures would undermine freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.

The Argus: Protestors outside the police station in Edward StreetProtestors outside the police station in Edward Street

The bill passed a second reading in Parliament earlier this month, with 359 Conservative MPs voting in favour, and 263 opposition MPs voting against - including 194 Labour MPs.

Those in attendance at the protest today say the bill is trying to "crack down on our basic human rights".

Prime Minster Boris Johnson branded violence towards police seen at Bristol demonstrations as “disgraceful” and said that police and the city had his full support.

Mr Johnson tweeted: “Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol.

“Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property.

"The police and the city have my full support.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel also tweeted that it was clear that “thugs” had only been intent on causing trouble

She added: “I am disgusted by the disorder in Bristol and the violence being directed towards the police.

“I’m in no doubt the silent, law-abiding majority will be appalled by the actions of this criminal minority.

“Despite repeated warnings to disperse, it’s clear these thugs were only intent on causing trouble.”

Meanwhile, demonstrators took to streets across the country on Saturday for further Kill The Bill protests – including in Manchester, Bath and Sheffield.

Some 300 people initially joined a protest march through Bristol city centre against the government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on Friday night, before the crowd swelled to more than 1,000 as tempers flared.

Police officers wearing helmets and holding shields moved towards the protesters after 10pm, after calling for the crowd to disperse due to Covid restrictions.

Avon and Somerset Police said glass bottles, bricks and eggs were thrown at officers and fireworks were launched at its mounted division, with one horse being daubed with paint.

Protesters had also shone laser lights into officers’ faces, the force said.

The force also said it was trying to contact a journalist who claimed they had been assaulted by officers in Bristol on Friday night.

It came after a video was shared on social media of an officer appearing to use a riot shield to push back a Daily Mirror reporter.

In a statement on Twitter, the force said it was aware of the video, adding: “A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we fully respect the media’s vital role in reporting events fairly and accurately.”

Three of those arrested were also detained in connection with last Sunday’s first march, which was followed by another violent demonstration on Tuesday night.

A large police presence was on hand during the demonstration, with horses and dogs used to help move the crowd back.