Ten individuals have been arrested after anti-immigration and counter-protesters marched through Bristol city centre today. The demonstrations, which began in Queen's Square, involved an estimated 150 anti-immigration protesters and 300 counter-protesters, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
Temporary Chief Inspector Gareth Bank stated there were "pockets of disorder, especially at the Cenotaph." Six of those arrested are suspected of concealing their identity at a protest, an offence covered by new rules that allow police to designate zones where face coverings are not permitted.
Other alleged offences included assault by beating, assaulting an emergency worker, obstructing a public highway, intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress, using threatening or abusive words/behaviour, and acting in a disorderly way. The protest caused disruption in the city centre, leading to road closures and affecting people attempting to reach the Bristol Registry Office.
Approximately 300 police officers were deployed, with support from 10 other forces. Police reported some disorder between officers and counter-protesters, and subsequently between the two groups when counter-protesters reportedly attempted to breach police lines.