Arrests Made After Officers Assaulted at Bristol Protest
A counter-protest in Bristol escalated into violence on Saturday, leaving one police officer hospitalized and several individuals arrested.
Disorder broke out during a protest outside the Mercure hotel in Redcliff, Bristol—currently used to house asylum seekers—resulting in five arrests and one police officer hospitalized after being assaulted. Avon and Somerset Police reported that a group within the counter-protest crowd appeared intent on provoking violence.
The demonstration began as an anti-immigration protest organized by approximately 75 individuals identifying as the Bristol Patriots. In the days before the event, posters calling on people to “defend the Mercure” circulated throughout Bristol, leading to a significant counter-protest turnout of around 350 people.
Anticipating potential confrontation between the two groups, Avon and Somerset Police deployed 200 officers to maintain separation and public order.
Despite efforts to keep the groups apart, tensions escalated when a faction of counter-protesters engaged in confrontational behavior. Several officers were assaulted during attempts to manage the situation.
One officer sustained injuries severe enough to require hospital treatment. Police said they are awaiting updates on the officer’s condition.
Chief Inspector Keith Smith stated:
“It is disappointing a group within the counter-protest has seemingly been intent on causing disorder. We’ve made several arrests and ordered a number of counter-protesters to leave central Bristol. It is totally unacceptable that officers have been assaulted.”
Following the outbreak of disorder, officers issued multiple dispersal orders, directing several counter-protesters to leave the city center. A dispersal zone with enhanced powers was established and will remain in place until 22:00 GMT to ensure further safety and stability.
The situation has since calmed with continued police presence in the area. Authorities are investigating the assaults and circumstances surrounding the arrests.
Tags: VIOLENCE
SOURCES
- Avon & Somerset Police – “Arrests made as Bristol protest operation stood down” oai_citation:0‡Avon and Somerset Police
- ITV News West Country – “Tensions rise as anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters gather in Bristol” oai_citation:1‡ITVX
- Bristol24/7 – “Anti-migrant protesters and counter-protesters stand off in Bristol” oai_citation:2‡bristol247.com
- Netpol report – This is Repression: The State of Protest in 2024 (context on protest policing) oai_citation:3‡netpol.org
