Police have released new images of eight of the 10 people they want to speak to over the toppling of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol.

They say they have so far identified eight of the 18 individuals believed to be involved.

On 7 June, the bronze memorial to the 17th century slave trader was pulled down during an anti-racism protest and then dropped into Bristol harbour.

It was later recovered by the council which plans to display it in a museum.

No arrests were made at the time, but CCTV footage captured images of people who officers wanted to talk to.

Three people were identified before Avon and Somerset Police’s first public appeal, with five more identified since then.

A force spokesman said seven of them voluntarily attended police stations for interviews, and a 24-year-old man from Eastleigh, Hampshire, was arrested.

“He has since been released under investigation and inquiries in relation to all seven individuals are ongoing,” the spokesman said.

“A 27-year-old man was also previously arrested. He co-operated with officers and was later released with no further action taken.”

The Colston statue had been there since 1895 and was one of many dedicated to the philanthropist throughout Bristol.

The move to pull it down triggered a nationwide debate on the future of statues that depict people associated with colonialism and slavery.

Last Thursday morning, council contractors were seen removing a statue of Black Lives Matter protester Jen Reid that was erected in secret to replace the Colston monument.

The life-size sculpture was only in place for one day, after it was installed by London artist Marc Quinn without the knowledge of city officials.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees earlier told Sky News that Mr Quinn may have to repay the council for the cost to remove it.

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