Police arrest 16 people following violent disorder in Bristol city centre

Police say 16 people were arrested following scenes of violent disorder in Bristol on Saturday.

And people involved in the outbreak of public disorder have been warned more arrests will follow once CCTV footage has been examined.

Far right activists and anti-fascist protesters clashed in the city on Saturday afternoon in the Castle Park area.

There was also an unsuccessful attempt by some of the far right activists to get to a hotel which has been used to house asylum seekers.

Police say people were arrested for included affray, racially-aggravated public order, animal cruelty, assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder.

Objects, including glass bottles, were thrown and an officer had a laser shone in their eyes. A police horse was also punched and two police dogs were kicked.

Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “This was a dynamic police operation and significant policing resources were put in place.

“We have a long history of facilitating peaceful protest in Bristol, but what we saw last night was not a protest and we will never accept such shameful scenes.

“Those responsible can expect a knock at the door from us soon – we will be relentless in identifying and bringing to justice those who brought criminal violence and disorder to the streets of Bristol yesterday.

“I am incredibly proud of my colleagues who were faced with significant violence and want to also recognise everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the policing operation yesterday and those who are continuing the investigation today.

“Thankfully we’re not aware of any significant damage being caused in the city other than to one police vehicle and I’d like to thank our communities and all our partners and stakeholders for their support.”

Clare Moody, police and crime commissioner for Avon and Somerset, has also condemned the disorder.

She said: “This behaviour is not protest. It is not an expression of legitimate concern. It is criminal.

“These actions do not represent the values of Bristol or the wider Avon and Somerset area.

“We are a strong, diverse and vibrant community where people from all walks of life live peacefully alongside one another.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the police officers who have been on the front lines, dealing with these disturbances with professionalism and courage.

“Their dedication to protecting the public and maintaining order is commendable, recognising the distinction between legitimate protest and the criminal behaviours that took place last night.

“These actions will have consequences and I welcome Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper’s commitment to ensure that those involved will face the full force of the law.

“I will also continue to engage with our diverse communities to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported.

“Now is a time for calm and reflection. We must use the actions of the few as a spur to strengthen our commitment to our unity and solidarity with each other.”

Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer said: “I am appalled by what has taken place in cities across the UK this weekend. We have seen racists terrorising local communities, raiding shops owned by people of colour, and what look terrifyingly like attempted lynch mobs.

“The racist protesters have been chanting ‘stop the boats’. We all know where this poisonous rhetoric has come from.

“This MUST be a wake-up call to all politicians who have actively promoted or given in to the rhetoric of immigration being a threat to this country.

“My home city of Bristol is a proudly diverse and welcoming city. The hatred and organised political violence of those who came to intimidate our communities has no place here and we stand proudly against Islamophobia, racism and all forms of hate.

“I thank the police for their efforts to contain those intent on violence and maintain safety in the city, and thank those who came out in peaceful support of the UK as a tolerant and welcoming country.

“Our work now is to unite – in Bristol and nationally – to support those who feel unsafe and targeted by this hatred, and to build that unity against the far-right’s racism, Islamophobia and violence.

There was also an arrest in Weymouth after a demonstration was held in the town.

An estimated 600 people from opposing sides gathered on the seafront in the Dorset resort.