Diner describes panic amid city centre protest

Philippa Swatton (r) was assisted by Joe Wagstaff (l) who was out for drinks that evening

A woman caught up in Bristol's protests has praised a "hero" who came to her aid after she suffered a panic attack amid scenes of unrest.

Philippa Swatton, 60, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, was eating outside Pasture when a crowd of far-right protesters "attacked the building".

She dived under an outdoor table to stay with her dogs, which was pelted with glasses. A man came to her rescue, helped her untie her pets, and pulled her inside.

Sixteen people were arrested by Avon and Somerset Police, who described the violence as "completely unacceptable".

Pasture is a short walk from the Mercure hotel on Redcliffe Hill, which was the scene of a standoff between far-right and anti-racist protesters on Saturday evening.

Ms Swatton chose to eat outside because she had two dogs with her.

"I didn't know anything was going on until we saw three people with scarves on their face harassing an Asian taxi driver as we drove into Bristol.

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"We had a text from a friend warning us to be careful but I thought it was miles away and we would be safe," she said.

'So sudden'

Ms Swatton said she saw a "ruckus" in the distance, and had finished most of her meal when a large crowd suddenly approached the restaurant.

"They were so far away and then all of a sudden they were on top of us, I can't believe how quickly the crowd came," she said.

When staff at Pasture ordered diners inside, Ms Swatton ran back out to retrieve her dog, which was tied up under her table.

"Glasses were being smashed above my head, and I was struggling to untie my dog," she said.

Several arrests were made by police

She was assisted by Joe Wagstaff, who was out having drinks with friends after work.

Mr Wagstaff dived under the table to help rescue Ms Swatton's dog.

"It was frightening," he said.

"They were smashing plates, glasses and bottles and I just had to go and help the poor lady out.

"We found her a seat indoors, as she had a panic attack and was struggling to breathe.

"I've probably made some new friends as a result," he added.

Ms Swatton, who described Mr Wagstaff as the "hero of the riot", left the restaurant unharmed, though the attack left her shaken.

"It didn't hit me until after we got home, Joe was amazing to come out and help me with my dogs," she added.