Five people have been arrested and a police officer has been taken to hospital after protesters and counter-protesters clashed in Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police said a group within the counter-protest were seemingly “intent” on causing disorder. The force has ordered a number of people to leave central Bristol.
A spokesperson said: “Four arrests were made after several assaults on officers were recorded. A fifth person was arrested for refusing to provide their details while we were enforcing the conditions put in place to help manage the protests.
“One officer is receiving treatment at hospital after sustaining injuries during the policing operation.
“It has been necessary for us to use our pre-authorised enhanced powers when dealing with a group of approximately 20-30 counter-protesters too, after the main protest activity ended.
“Section 60AA conditions, which requires a person to remove a face covering to prevent their identity being concealed, were utilised. Those counter-protesters were subsequently ordered to leave the area, as per the pre-agreed dispersal zone.”
Chief Inspector Keith Smith added: “I want to thank the officers who have worked tirelessly today to enable both protests to be kept separate, but it is totally unacceptable that officers have been assaulted.
“Criminal investigations will be carried out into each incident as we seek to bring those responsible to justice.
“One officer has been taken to hospital for injuries they sustained while on duty. We await a further update regarding the level of injury. We will ensure the welfare of assaulted officers is prioritised too.”
Bristol Patriots march from Bristol’s harbourside towards the Mercure Hotel. Credit: ITV News
A dispersal zone and enhanced powers will remain in place until 10pm on Saturday 15 November.
Redcliffe Hill was closed inbound while the protests were ongoing but has since reopened.
Police formed a guard in Bristol as anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters clashed in the city centre
The leader of the UK Independence Party, Nick Tenconi, was in attendance.
5pm
Police are beginning to pack up as the last of the protesters are asked to leave the area.
4pm
The majority of anti-immigration protesters have dispersed. There are still groups of anti-fascist protesters and a large police presence in the area.
2:20pm
Police are keeping the two sides apart, as they exchange hostile chants. Counter-protesters are in front of the entrance to the hotel and significantly outnumber the anti-immigration protesters.
1:55pm
Bristol Patriots planned its protest for 1pm. Supporters marched from the harbour towards the Mercure Hotel, used to house asylum seekers, at 1:55pm. It has called on supporters from across the UK to “take a stand” in the “leftie” capital of the UK.
In a statement, the group said: “We are gathering to stand together in solidarity and make our voices heard. This peaceful protest is an important opportunity for our community to unite, show strength, and demand positive change.”
Protesters carrying flags, flares and banners were heard chanting “Tommy Robinson”.
12pm
Counter-protesters gathered near the junction of Redcliffe Hill and Redcliffe Parade East just before 12pm, chanting: “Refugees welcome here. We are many, you are few. We are Bristol. Who are you?”
Groups waved at asylum seekers inside the Mercure Hotel.
There is a large Avon and Somerset Police presence at the site, and Devon and Cornwall Police vans have also lined the streets.
Credit: ITV News
Avon and Somerset Police said: “Conditions are being put in place to help provide both sets of protesters an equal opportunity to protest.
“A decision has been taken to put conditions in place under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, which will ensure they can be conducted separately because the protests are in close proximity to one another.
“We would advise everyone planning to attend familiarises themselves with the map below in advance.”
Credit: Avon and Somerset Police
The conditions, which are in place from 9am to 5pm, are as follows:
-
Any person or groups participating in the anti-immigration protest on Saturday 15 November must remain in the designated protest zone and only enter the zone at the respective point identified on the map.
-
The anti-immigration protest must conclude no later than 5pm that day.
-
Any person participating in the counter-protest must not enter, try to enter, or restrict entry to the designated exclusion zone (which protesters would be allowed to enter to reach the protest zone).
Other enhanced powers have been authorised from 7am-10pm on Saturday too in the area outlined in blue on the map below.
Credit: Avon and Somerset Police
“They are simply looking to create fear, intimidation and confrontation”
One resident who lives near the Mercure hotel on Redcliffe Hill said: “I have lived next door to this hotel for the last couple of years and have never experienced any trouble from any of the residents. They are mostly families with children and teenagers, and the residents are all lovely, quiet and peaceful.
“I don’t know a single one of my neighbours who has a problem with them being here – many of us are very concerned about this protest today. Particularly how frightening it will be for the residents in the hotel, and because it does not represent the views of the people that live here.
“Let’s call this what it is – racism. If the anti immigration protesters were genuinely serious in their concerns and keen to enact change, they would protest outside the buildings of the policy makers and political leaders, not on a Saturday outside a hotel in front of people who have no power.
“The reality is, they are simply looking to create fear, intimidation and confrontation – because they know that in a place like Bristol there will be a massive anti fascist counter-protest.”
Bristol City Council: “Everyone is welcome”
In a statement ahead of the protest, Bristol City Council said: “Bristol there is no place for hate. We stand together as representatives of our city’s communities, faith groups, local organisations, public sector and city partners, against division and hate in all its forms.
“Our ambition for a peaceful city where communities live in harmony is being challenged, and there are difficult conversations we must have to find solutions to these challenges.
“In doing so we have a shared responsibility to speak with compassion and kindness for one another and reject hate speech or hate crime.
“Our key messages are that we are stronger when we are together, everyone belongs and everyone is welcome. The values of compassion, unity and respect are ones we can all share and aspire to, regardless of background or circumstance.
“Bristol is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong love of community and an independent spirit. It is this unique identity which is one of our city’s greatest strengths.”
