Counter-demonstrators bailed after protest disorder

About 350 counter-demonstrators attended Saturday's protest

Four people arrested after police officers were assaulted during an anti-immigration protest and counter-demonstration have been released on bail.

A crowd of 75 people calling themselves the Bristol Patriots staged a protest on Saturday afternoon outside Bristol's Mercure hotel, which houses asylum seekers.

They were met by about 350 counter-protesters, and Avon and Somerset Police said some among the group were "intent on causing disorder".

One officer received treatment in hospital following scuffles with counter-protesters but was discharged on Saturday night, the force said.

About 75 anti-migrant protesters were met with about 350 counter-demonstrators

A 22-year-old man from Cornwall, and 25-year-old man from Richmond-upon-Thames were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and have both been released on conditional bail.

A third man, aged 43 and from Portsmouth, was arrested on the same charge and also released on conditional bail.

A 20-year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of obstructing or resisting a constable and released on conditional bail.

A fifth protester, a 37-year-old woman from London, was arrested on suspicion of breaching Section 50 of the Police Reform Act 2002, specifically for refusing to give her details when requested, but has since been released.

Ch Insp Keith Smith said: "It is disappointing a group within the counter-protest has seemingly been intent on causing disorder.

"I want to thank the officers who have worked tirelessly [on Saturday] to enable both protests to be kept separate, but it is totally unacceptable that officers have been assaulted."