Six Arrested as Bristol Protest Turns Violent, Police Deploy Batons and Horses
Six people have been arrested in Bristol following violent clashes during a protest on Saturday, which saw police officers using batons and horses to maintain order and separate opposing groups. The demonstration, which involved around 40 members of the Bristol Patriots group and approximately 200 counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism, descended into chaos as items were thrown at officers and disorder broke out.
Police Intervention and Use of Force
Avon and Somerset Police reported that officers were required to use proportionate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved and to keep the groups apart. This included the deployment of batons and mounted units to push back crowds. The protest march, which began at the Cenotaph on St Augustine’s Parade with plans to travel through Broadmead and Castle Park, came to a standstill when counter-protesters arrived, leading to heightened tensions.
In a detailed statement, the police force explained: “Officers were required to use proportionate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved and keeping the groups apart, this included the use of batons and horses from the mounted unit to push back crowds.” The march progressed only as far as Penn Street before further standstills occurred, prompting police to redirect the group back to the Cenotaph to ensure a safe conclusion.
Aerial Images and Police Strategy
Aerial pictures released by Avon and Somerset Police showed officers forming a human wall around the smaller group of Bristol Patriots, who were carrying Union flags, while another line of officers prevented the Stand Up To Racism protesters from advancing closer. More than 200 officers were in attendance throughout the event, which concluded around 3:30 pm when both groups dispersed at the Cenotaph.
The police experienced multiple points of resistance during the protest, with disorder erupting between the two sides and items being thrown at officers. Neighbourhood policing Inspector John Shaddick commented: “Today’s protests in Bristol were closely planned for and actively managed by our policing teams. Our priority throughout was clear: to facilitate the right to peaceful protest while keeping the public, businesses, and participants safe.”
Arrests and Charges
The six individuals arrested during the protest face a range of charges, and all suspects were taken into police custody. The arrests include:
- A 37-year-old man on suspicion of Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986, causing fear or provocation of violence.
- A 60-year-old man on suspicion of assault by beating and affray.
- A 39-year-old man on suspicion of obstructing or resisting a constable in execution of their duty.
- A 23-year-old man on suspicion of violent disorder.
- A 27-year-old woman on suspicion of Section 50 of the Police Reform Act 2002, failing to provide details upon request and acting in an anti-social manner.
- A 23-year-old woman on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing or resisting a constable in execution of their duty.
Inspector Shaddick added: “There were periods of disruption caused by a small number of individuals. Where behaviour crossed the line into disorder, officers acted proportionately and used appropriate force to quickly regain control and prevent further harm. A number of arrests were made for public order offences and related matters, these will now be subject to the normal investigative processes.”
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Bristol related to protest activities, with police emphasising their commitment to balancing the right to peaceful assembly with public safety measures. The use of mounted units and batons underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large-scale demonstrations where opposing groups clash.
