Around 100 people from UKIP and 250 counter-protesters were near the Cenotaph this afternoon
The counter-protesters in Bristol city centre.(Image: Avon & Somerset Police)
Five people were arrested during a protest and counter-demonstration in Bristol today (Saturday, May 17).
The protest saw 100 members of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) calling for “mass-deportations” and was met with around 250 counter-protesters who carried Antifacism Action banners.
Avon and Somerset Police officers were in the city centre, by the Cenotaph within ‘the Centre’ to keep the public safe whilst the two groups clashed.
Five people were arrested during the demonstrations.
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, a 25-year-old man on suspicion of theft and a further two woman and a man on suspicion of breach of the peace.
There were 167 officers deployed to the protest, including specialist units with drones, dogs, horses and from the cycle team.
They were also joined by local policing officers, neighbourhood officers and colleagues from ambulance, fire and the local authority.
Silver Commander for the protest, Ch Insp Jason Sims, said: “Overall, both groups were calm and engaged with officers, however we did see a handful of clashes between the two sides.
“A number of arrests have been made and investigations and further enquiries continue.
“I would like to take the opportunity to praise the officers and staff involved in the policing of this event.
“The feedback I have received so far is that officers acted professionally and proportionately to keep the members of the public safe and to facilitate the protests.
“A large number of our officers cancelled their days off with their loved ones to facilitate the policing of this event, which enabled us to keep the public safe, and I cannot thank them enough for making that personal sacrifice.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues at the ambulance and fire services and local authority for their support.”
The event saw the UKIP group gather near the Colston Statue plinth, whilst the counter-protesters gathered at the Cenotaph.
Counter-protesters arrived at around 11.30am whilst the UKIP side arrived at around 1pm.
Both sides dispersed at around 3.45pm.
St Augustine’s Parade and Colston Avenue were closed in both directions from 12.30pm until shortly before 4pm.