Anti-immigration march met by large counter group

People gathered in and near Castle Park in Bristol

A group of anti-immigration protesters have been outnumbered by counter protesters as they demonstrated against hotels housing asylum seekers.

About 50 people planned to meet in Castle Park in Bristol to oppose the government scheme and march through the city, but they were met by about 250 counter protesters.

Avon and Somerset Police said there were "moments of disturbance" but that the protests went without "significant incident".

One woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, and officers detained other individuals at points, but they have all been de-arrested.

Officers have a dispersal zone authorised

The main police operation has been stood down, but there will be a presence in the city centre until 07:00 BST on Sunday and a dispersal zone, which allows officers to move on groups or individuals causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others.

Mounted police held the two sides back from each other for almost two hours near The Galleries car park, blocking the road during confrontational scenes.

None of the officers suffered serious physical injury or needed hospital treatment, but the force said there will be enquiries after reports of assaults on them.

Protesters from both sides of the debate turned out

Chief Insp Keith Smith said: "Our priority today has been to enable lawful peaceful protest for both groups.

"Our officers have dealt admirably with a really challenging situation, and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank them for their professionalism.

"While there were moments of disturbance, we're pleased to say the two protests have passed without significant incident."

He explained the force had worked with the city council to try and minimise disruption to the public and thanked people for their patience. There was a road closure, but that has been lifted.

Police spoke to people from both sides before the demonstrations to ensure they knew what was planned

Bristol City Council said it has no plans to challenge the government's use of hotels to house asylum seekers in the city.

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: "Bristol is a long-established place of sanctuary. We are a diverse city and are proud to welcome and provide safety for people seeking sanctuary from a wide range of backgrounds.

"As a City of Sanctuary, we will continue to support and show compassion to people when they need it most."

He added: "Our focus is on working collaboratively to improve conditions for people seeking sanctuary and fostering compassionate and resilient communities in Bristol."

Bristol City Council said it had no plans to challenge the government's use of hotels to house asylum seekers in the city

There were confrontational scenes