PROTESTERS in Newcastle have said that they will not be silenced against Northumbria Police’s abuse of power following its officers’ “disgraceful” tactics at a Kill the Bill demonstration.

Campaigners said that the force was “showing clear intent to crack down on peaceful protesters and to intimidate and discourage people from attending demonstrations” after using disproportionate force on Saturday.

During the protest against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, minors were arrested and held in a cell for over 10 hours for writing statements in chalk, according to Resist Newcastle.

At least three protesters were rugby tackled and pinned to the ground, sustaining cuts and bruises after sitting down to rest, the group said.

In a statement on Monday night, Resist Newcastle said that it will not be silenced by the police’s abuse of power or the government’s “authoritarian rampage.”

“This is a mass movement that won’t stop until this draconian Bill is scrapped,” the group said.

“For now, embrace this time to rest … before we return to the streets again. We stand strong and we stand together.”

Northumbria Police was approached for comment.