Calls for unity as fear grips communities

There is a "deep sense of fear" in some racially minoritised communities, police chiefs have said

People are being asked to "stand against hate" following a rise in racial tensions.

Sarah Crew, chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, called for unity on Wednesday, saying there is a "deep sense of fear" among some ethnic minority communities in the region.

The summer was marked by protests and counter-protests over asylum seekers and union and England flags being painted or hung in public places. Last week a nine-year-old girl was shot with an airgun in north Bristol in a racially motivated attack.

Ms Crew's words were echoed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody, who said marches were "emboldening other people to commit verbal and physical attacks on people".

Ms Crew said: "People are scared to go about their daily lives for fear of being attacked in the street. This is not acceptable.

"Our duty is clear: to prevent crime, to maintain order, and above all, to keep people safe. That mission has never mattered more than it does right now."

She added while the force would be "robust and relentless" in bringing those who perpetrate hate crimes to justice, everyone has the right to voice their views "within the law with respect".

"There is also a deep sense of anger and powerlessness in other communities. People who feel left behind, marginalised and misunderstood. Who feel that those in power or authority don't seem to care about their lives," she said.

Anti-immigration protesters confront counter-demonstrators in Bristol

Ms Crew said it was the police's job to enable lawful protest and freedom of expression, but also to keep all communities safe and free from intimidation.

"We will act firmly against hate and violence, and we will protect the right to speak out lawfully and respectfully. But safety cannot be delivered by police alone. It is built together, through trust, respect, and shared responsibility," she said.

"So, I ask everyone: Stand against hate, stand up for each other, and stand for the kind of society where everyone, without exception can feel safe, secure and free."

PCC Ms Moody said some large scale marches had created "an unwelcoming environment".

PCC Ms Moody said large scale marches, where some groups or individuals use certain rhetoric or language, had created "an unwelcoming environment".

She added they were "emboldening other people to commit verbal and physical attacks on people".

"We know that hateful rhetoric is intended to divide our communities and pit neighbours against each-other, but we also know that in Avon and Somerset, we are inclusive and determined that hate will not win," she said.

She made the remarks in an open letter, which was co-signed by the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset councils.

Ms Moody said a "small minority" were trying to use the UK's national symbols to "intimidate and exclude" others.

While many football fans were flying the flag to cheer on the Lionesses during the 2025 Euros, thousands more have been raised in recent weeks.

Councils across the west of England have said they support the right to fly them, but that crosses painted onto infrastructure and some flags hung near or on roads would be removed for safety reasons.

St George's Crosses have been painted in public places across the UK this summer

"The Union Flag, the St George's Cross, and other national symbols should be a source of pride for everyone, representing the diversity and shared values that are central to who we are as a community," she said.

"We refuse to surrender these symbols to those who use them to spread fear, violence, or division."

Ms Moody finished: "Our message is clear: we are united against hate. Together, we will ensure Avon and Somerset remains a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from hate."