Ex-detectives have blasted Bristol officers for 'an abuse of policing' for pandering to eco-warrior Greta Thunberg.

The 17-year-old Swedish activist was chauffeured to her protest in the city in an electric car courtesy of the force.

Former Met Police Senior Investigating Officer on murders Colin Sutton said it was inappropriate for officers to take a side in protests.

He sarcastically suggested that one day police would be providing replicas of Adolf Hitler's Mercedes-Benz complete with swastikas for right-wing groups.

Ex-detectives have blasted Bristol officers for 'an abuse of policing' for pandering to eco-warrior Greta Thunberg (pictured in the city on Friday)

Under a picture of the model of car, he wrote: 'I wonder how they will collect other protest leaders in future? Maybe they can find one of these for the EDL?'

Ex-Met Police detective Norman Brennan said: 'I agree Colin this girl has been given a platform where many others wouldn’t have she directs her abuse & insults at adults why not children?

'Her PR team & others drive & advise her she speaks but it’s others who are doing the talking! She is an unwell girl suffering MH issues!'

An estimated 30,000 people gathered on Bristol's College Green on Friday for the demonstration.

On Friday, an estimated 30,000 people gathered on Bristol’s College Green (Greta is circled)

But residents were left furious at the state they left the historic lawn in following the Strike 4 Climate event.

The teenager told thousands of children who skipped school: 'We are being betrayed by those in power… I will not be silenced while the world is on fire.'

Some were less than impressed, with one Twitter user saying: 'Thanks kids. Destroying green spaces. What a gift to the people of Bristol…'

Another tweeted: 'Greta and her mates have literally destroyed College Green.'

Susan Hall, leader of the Conservatives on the Greater London Assembly, said: 'This is an utter disgrace, children being bussed in from all over the country – great for emissions.

'Not to mention that these children should be at school where they are safe, not encouraged to skip their education.'

One Thunberg supporter posted: 'Grass will grow back. Our ozone layer, icecaps, coral reefs, Australian bush and the Amazon Rainforest will not.'