Hundreds of public order offences were recorded last yearA file image of police patrolling Bristol Harbourside(Image: Jake McPherson SWNS)

Separate police appeals have sought witnesses to two street fights in Bristol this month.

It comes as part of the city was named among the worst spots in the country for public order offences, which include incidents linked to fist fights.

A map compiled by the Reach Data Unit earlier this month revealed the locations and numbers of ‘public order’ incidents recorded by police forces.

This type of crime covers offences which cause fear, alarm and distress, such as violent disorder, affray, threatening or drunk and disorderly behaviour, and any offence related to stirring up racial, religious, or homophobic hatred. It also includes rioting.

Among more than 400,000 reports of public order offences nationwide, Leeds City Centre recorded more offences than anywhere else – a total of 1,355.

In the Avon and Somerset area, the hotspot for public order offences was ‘Bristol’s City Centre & Harbourside’, where a total of 739 crimes were recorded. Of more than 7,000 neighbourhoods in England and Wales, this was the eighth highest number.

The force’s neighbourhood policing team for Broadmead, which falls under the city centre zone, has acknowledged street drinking among the problems being prioritised.

An update dated February 2025 on the team’s webpage read: “We are aware of issues regarding anti-social behaviour caused by street drinkers in Broadmead.

“These issues can occur throughout the day, but tend to be more prevalent in the early evenings and around the supermarket areas as well as the communal seating areas in the centre.”

Since the data comparison was released, the police force has issued two public appeals relating to street fights, though only one falls within the city centre zone:

Brawl near aquariumPolice were called to Anchor Road to reports of an assaultPolice were called to Anchor Road to reports of an assault(Image: Google Maps)

Three men were arrested near Bristol Aquarium after an assault left two people needing hospital treatment. Police were called to Anchor Road in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, at around 2.40am, where it was reported that a confrontation had taken place involving a number of men.

Two victims were identified, who reported they had been punched and kicked – with one requiring surgery for significant facial injuries. Avon and Somerset Police said at the time: “CCTV enquiries were carried out while officers were dispatched to the scene, and this enabled us to detain three individuals at the scene.

“A 22-year-old man was questioned after being arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm. He has since been released on unconditional bail. The two other men arrested have been released with no further action planned.”

Any witnesses, or anyone who may have been driving in the area at the time and might have relevant dashcam footage, can call 101 and quote reference number 5225125221.

Knowle West ‘knife fight’Creswicke Road in Knowle

Knives and drugs were seized by police after a fight between teenagers in a Knowle West street. Police, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, responded to reports of a group of young people fighting in Creswicke Road, at about 3pm on Monday, May 9.

Some of the group were using bicycles and motorbikes while others were on foot, and callers said they had seen knives. The fight moved onto Bamfield, then windows and roof tiles at a property in Heatherdene were damaged.

Officers arrested an 18-year-old man from Bishopsworth at about 1.30pm that day on suspicion of affray, possessing cannabis with intent to supply and criminal damage. He was later released on police bail with conditions including not to go to Filwood Park or areas of Knowle.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray and criminal damage. He was also released on police bail with similar conditions.

Another boy aged 14 was arrested on suspicion of affray and later released under investigation. As part of their enquiries, officers seized three knives and a quantity of cannabis.

Anyone with any information which could help, especially anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam or other footage, is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5225128805.

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