Police play down fears of march in Bristol

Police have so far arrested 17 people in connection with Saturday's disorder

Police have said they "do not believe" there will be an anti-immigration march in Bristol on Wednesday.

There have been claims on social media that a march will take place close to the city centre, the scene of disorder on Saturday.

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly, of Avon and Somerset Police, said claims the force had been warning about a march were "not true" although resources would still be deployed in the light of recent disorder across the country.

"We’ve not issued any warning and have no information to suggest any march will actually take place," he said.

Seventeen people have so far been arrested in connection with the violent unrest that broke out in Bristol on Saturday, in which hundreds of far-right protesters and a counter protest group gathered for two demonstrations near Castle Park.

The arrests relate to a number of different offences, including racially-aggravated public disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

Three men have since been charged.

Large crowds gathered in Birmingham on Monday over concerns an anti-immigration event was going to take place in the Bordesley Green area, but the event did not happen.

Police are now investigating pockets of unrest that then took place in the area.

Det Ch Con Reilly said the force had "significant resources in place"

Det Ch Con Reilly said: "We’re aware of posts circulating online calling for people to gather in Bristol tomorrow night, and I want to reassure you we’ll have significant resources in place to maintain order and keep people safe."

He added: "We’d never want to stifle legitimate protest, it’s a fundamental democratic right.

"However, I urge people to let the police deal with those who want to cause unrest. I promise you we will take the strongest possible action against those who take part in criminality."

He went on to say police were "committed to keeping people informed about what we know about future disruption and on any plans we subsequently put in place".

"We’re extremely proud to serve the diverse communities of Avon and Somerset and we continue to be thankful for the public’s support during these troubling and unusual times," he said.