Police release images after violent disorder in city

Police officers pinning a man against the wall in Bristol. The officers are wearing police uniforms and neon yellow vests and helmets. Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Police have arrested 20 people following on from Saturday's disorder in Bristol

  • Published

Police have released images of people they would like to speak to in connection with violent disorder in Bristol.

Avon and Somerset Police have made 20 arrests after "completely unacceptable" scenes in Castle Park on 3 August. Five people have been charged, police said.

Detectives have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and body-worn camera footage, as well as images and videos shared by the public, in order to try to identify those involved in the disorder.

"We are keen to speak to these people as part of our enquiries and I would encourage you to come forward if you are one of these people," a force spokesperson said.

Image source, Avon and Somerset Police
Image caption,

Police have been reviewing hundreds of hours of footage

Arrests have been made for various offences including affray, racially-aggravated public disorder, animal cruelty and assaulting an emergency worker, police said.

Hundreds of far-right protesters and a counter-protest group gathered for two demonstrations in Bristol city centre.

Image source, Avon and Somerset Police
Image caption,

Police want to identify a number of people

Windows were smashed and some protesters acted aggressively towards police.

They also attempted to storm a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Tensions have been high across England after the killing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July, with false claims spread online about the person responsible.

Image source, Avon and Somerset Police
Image caption,

Police are encouraging those pictured to come forward

On Wednesday, thousands of anti-racism demonstrators gathered in Old Market after it was rumoured an immigration lawyer's premises would be targeted by far-right protesters.

But the night passed off peacefully and crowds were praised by police for "displaying exemplary behaviour".

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