People thanked for 'exemplary behaviour' at rally

The rally predominantly consisted of counter-protesters

Thousands of people who gathered in the centre of Bristol have been thanked for their "exemplary behaviour" following a week of disruption.

The anti-racism demonstration was organised after it was rumoured an immigration lawyer's premises would be targeted by far-right protesters.

Bristol Police Cdr Supt Mark Runacres added that the vast majority of those on West Street had shown "patience and generosity" to his officers.

However, one man was arrested after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle during the rally.

It was feared Bristol could see a repeat of Saturday's violent disorder, in which far-right protesters clashed with counter-protesters in the city centre and targeted a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Avon and Somerset Police captured the scale of the rally from a police helicopter

Seventeen people have been arrested so far in connection with Saturday's disorder, with three men since being charged.

Of the anti-racism demonstration on Wednesday, Cdr Supt Runacres said: "We know our communities were worried about what might happen but the vast majority of people displayed exemplary behaviour.

"I’m extremely grateful for the assistance we’ve had from community and business leaders both in the lead up to, and during, tonight’s operation. Their support has been invaluable.

“I’d also like to highlight the patience and generosity shown to my officers by local people and businesses. One café brought out hot drinks which were hugely appreciated."

Many of the people attending the rally held signs welcoming refugees

He added that there were no acts of violence or damage to the street or surrounding businesses, describing the throwing of the bottle and brick as "the only disappointing moment we dealt with".

About 250 police officers were on duty as the crowds gathered, with a "visible presence" maintained through the night in the Old Market area.

“Some people did leave the Old Market area and head towards the city centre and at least one firework was set off in Castle Park but this group did not cause any significant issues," Cdr Supt Runacres added.

“Policing operations like this are always challenging due to the huge number of people involved and so I’m really pleased with how tonight’s has gone," he said.

Police have thanked "the majority" demonstrators for their "exemplary behaviour"

Speaking on Thursday morning as he took boards down from the front of one of his three shops on West Street, Essie Golshan said the protest had caused "fear" on Saturday, leading to him securing his windows and advising other shopkeepers to do the same.

Mr Golshan, who moved to the UK more than 40 years ago from Iran, said the area had been "a ghost town" on Wednesday, but said Bristol was "one of the great cities" and "has a policy against racism".

"I believe on Saturday the destruction wasn't really by racists, it was hooligans.

"They take advantage of the situation to destroy other businesses," he said.

But while the boards were on the way down on Thursday morning, Mr Golshan said they were not being thrown away just yet.

Mr Golshan said Bristol was "one of the great cities"

"We still need to watch what is next," he said.

"When everything is fine, then we can dispose of them," he added.

One woman, who did not want to be identified, told Radio Bristol: "I'm just very, very proud of our little community, they did stunningly well," adding the night had been "overwhelmingly peaceful".

Another woman, who also asked not to be named, said: "We all know that Bristol is very open-minded, very welcoming.

"There are parts [of the city] that really need more support and are struggling still, but I think overwhelmingly it is a really supporting community."

Nick Thomas-Symonds, the government's paymaster general and Labour MP for Torfaen, Wales, spent time in Bristol on Thursday morning.

He visited to thank police officers who "put themselves in harm's way to protect the public" and to show his support to members of the community who were affected by disorder on Saturday.

He also said that people should treat speculation online with "a lot of caution", given the amount of misinformation seen recently.

"The lesson of recent days shows that that's so important."