Arrests made following protests in Bristol
An anti-immigration and counter protest were held in the city centre
Last updated 12 hours ago
Ten people have been arrested following a protest and counter-protest held in Bristol city centre.
Anti-immigration protestors and opposing groups gathered in Queen's Square on Saturday (8 August).
Avon and Somerset Police estimated approximately 450 people in total attended, with around 300 officers drafted in to manage the operation.
The protest group marched from Queen’s Square, stopping on Bristol Bridge and outside Bridewell Police Station for speeches before concluding at the Cenotaph.
Counter-protesters were also present at each location.
Ten people were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including assault by beating, assaulting an emergency worker, and intentionally causing harassment, alarm, or distress.
Supt Karen Corrigan from Avon and Somerset Police said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank and recognise the officers on the ground and those behind the scenes who enabled today’s protest and counter-protest.
“Protest policing is challenging, dynamic and ever-changing; one action or word can take a peaceful protest closer to disorder and our officers must quickly and effectively adapt and change.
“Today, we experienced pockets of disorder, especially at the Cenotaph, between officers and the counter-protesters and then between the two groups.
“It is important when two sides are protesting against each other to maintain a clear boundary between the two sides to allow each group to express their views safely and to prevent disorder.
“When one group tries to push through this clear boundary, officers must take proportionate actions and force to maintain the line and prevent disorder.
“Officers utilised the new Section 157 powers to order people to remove face coverings or similar. Our Bronze Commanders were also heard throughout the protest on loud hailers informing people on the new law and giving them the opportunity to remove them before taking action.
“This is a challenging law to carry out, especially when faced with such huge numbers of attendees, but the initial feedback from my Bronze Commanders is we were seeing fewer people with face coverings than we may have in previous protests.”