'Reckless' gang attack police and set fire to bike

A gang assaulted officers with a screwdriver and set fire to a bike in a "reckless" attack, police have said.

While on foot patrol, two officers challenged a group of 10 men riding e-bikes along Bristol's waterfront and across Pero's Bridge on Thursday at about 22:30 GMT.

Officers said the group became aggressive, hurled a screwdriver and threw accelerant on a bike, before setting it alight.

Firefighters attended the scene to extinguish the "deliberate" fire at about 22:28 GMT.

While attempting to detain one of the men, an officer had her wrist bent back.

Chief Insp Keith Smith said the officers were engaging with members of the public when they saw this group "acting antisocially".

"These actions were reckless and unacceptable and not only put our officers at risk, but also the wider public," he said.

"Our investigation into the incident is ongoing and we want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard something, especially if anyone saw a group of this size in the area without their balaclavas on."

Avon and Somerset Police said it understands this is a "concerning incident" and is increasing police presence and conducting high-visibility patrols in the area over the next few days.

An Avon Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Crews from Temple attended and extinguished a fire involving one motorbike.

"The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate."

Officers are looking for witnesses and any footage of the incident.

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