The Conservative candidate for crime commissioner has slammed the police for "surrendering control" of Bristol's streets and allowing a "mob" to pull down a statue of slave trader Edward Colston.

Mark Shelford said frontline officers were "furious" at their "weak" leaders' orders to stand by as protesters "took the law into their own hands".

The former Bath councillor warned that the force risked losing the faith of the people of Avon and Somerset unless there was an overhaul of how future protests are policed.

Mr Shelford, who had planned to stand in last month's cancelled election for police and crime commissioner, said: "The pulling down of the statue of Colston in Bristol was a shocking example of what can happen when police effectively surrender control of our streets.

"Demonstrations are part of a democratic society. But so too is respecting the democratic process. The way to deal with a statue of someone you disapprove of is to campaign for its removal, not take the law into your own hands. That way leads to utter lawlessness."

He said the "wanton, unlawful destruction" of public property cannot be tolerated and the perpetrators should be prosecuted.

Avon and Somerset Police has said it has identified 17 suspects.

Mr Shelford, who has commanded police officers in public order operations in the past, said: "The police on the ground that contacted me were furious – they feel they did not have the support of the chain of command, they had the right kit and numbers to intervene.

"The tactical decision-making on the ground by senior police was poor and leadership was weak.

"There needs to be a complete overhaul of how these types of events are policed, or many in Avon and Somerset will start to lose faith in the ability of the police leadership to deliver what is needed: safe, secure, law-abiding communities.

"If we decide to just sit back and relinquish the rule of law, it will put us on a very slippery slope indeed."

Andy Roebuck, who chairs the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, tweeted that the force needs to review the operation.

The local federation, which represents officers, posted on Facebook that it was "delighted" no officers were injured and there were no "ugly confrontations".

It said: "For those of you that may feel police officers should have acted, please remember that they are also the public and should not be put in unnecessary danger at all costs."

But John Apter, who chairs the Police Federation for England and Wales, said the force had "sent quite a negative message".

He told BBC Breakfast: "I understand the anger but not to have a police presence there was something – I have been a police officer for 27 years – that was a decision I have not seen taken before."

Mr Shelford is not the only Tory politician to condemn the act.

Bristol's Conservative group leader, Councillor Mark Weston, said: "I do not believe that anyone has the right to deface or destroy public property, no matter how warranted they believe their actions or motivation to be.

"I believe that the perpetrators should be prosecuted for what is a wanton act of criminal damage."

The Times reports that Home Secretary Priti Patel has demanded an explanation from Avon and Somerset Police chief constable Andy Marsh and told him he must uphold the law.

She told Sky News the toppling of the statue was "utterly disgraceful" and "undermines" anti-racism protests.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said Ms Patel's comments demonstrated an "absolute lack of understanding".

He said the statue was a "personal affront" and he felt "no sense of loss" at its removal.

In a video on social media, Mr Marsh said: "Can you imagine scenes of police in Bristol fighting with protesters who were damaging the statue of a man who is reputed to have gathered much of his fortune through the slave trade?

"I think there would have been very serious implications and whilst I certainly do not condone crime or damage of any sort I fully support the actions of my officers; they responded with common sense, sound judgement and in the best interest of public safety."

Mr Shelford said PCC Sue Mountstevens needs to hold Mr Marsh to account.

Ms Mountstevens said in a statement: "I understand why people might think that the police officers should have intervened and challenged. However, considering the operational circumstances the police officers faced, I believe Chief Constable Andy Marsh's team made the right choice.

"I am assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and every effort will be made to prosecute those responsible and bring them to justice."