Police warning after disorder leads to multiple arrests

Sixteen people have been arrested for various offences following violent disorder in Bristol on Saturday night.

They were arrested for offences including affray, racially-aggravated public disorder, animal cruelty, and assaulting an emergency worker.

The arrests came after hundreds of far-right protesters and a counter-protest group gathered for two demonstrations near Castle Park.

Avon and Somerset Police warned people involved in Saturday's "shameful scenes should expect a knock at your door soon".

Protesters smashed windows and became aggressive with police, before attempting to storm a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Tensions have been high across England after the killing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was reviewing footage to identify those responsible for criminal behaviour.

'Completely unacceptable'

Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen said some of the scenes were "completely unacceptable".

"We have a long history of facilitating peaceful protest in Bristol, but what we saw last night was not a protest and we will never accept such shameful scenes.

“We will be relentless in identifying and bringing to justice those who brought criminal violence and disorder to the streets of Bristol yesterday.

"Thankfully we’re not aware of any significant damage being caused in the city other than to one police vehicle," she said.

Council leaders said they "stand against all forms of hate towards any community"

In a joint statement released by Bristol City Council's political party leaders, "violence and harassment towards diverse communities" was condemned.

"We stand against all forms of hate towards any community and stand in solidarity with those who have been affected.

"The violent scenes witnessed over the weekend were carried out by a small group of individuals who chose to express their views through fear and intimidation. This does not reflect our values as a city," the statement read.

They also thanked the police for "maintaining public safety".

At the demonstration in Castle Park, protesters sang Rule Britannia, "England 'til I die" and "we want our country back".

Meanwhile, anti-racism campaigners chanted "refugees are welcome here".

• Follow the latest updates on our live page

Police said some of the scenes were "unacceptable"

Ch Insp Hayward-Melen added: “The behaviour from a minority of people [on Saturday] crossed the line.

“Sixteen people have been arrested for various offences and there will be further arrests over the coming days as we work to identify those responsible for this disorder.

"Make no mistake – they will face the full force of the law for their thuggery," she added.

She also thanked officers, including those who assisted from other forces, for their support.

'Unity and solidarity'

In a statement, Clare Moody, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police, said: "This behaviour is not protest. It is not an expression of legitimate concern. It is criminal.

"These actions do not represent the values of Bristol or the wider Avon and Somerset area.

"We are a strong, diverse and vibrant community where people from all walks of life live peacefully alongside one another."

Protestors moved through the city

She commended all the police officers who dealt with the disorder for their "professionalism and courage".

Ms Moody also welcomed the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper's commitment to making sure those involved with "criminal disorder and violent thuggery" across the country will “pay the price”.

"I will also continue to engage with our diverse communities to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported," Ms Moody added.

"Now is a time for calm and reflection.

"We must use the actions of the few as a spur to strengthen our commitment to our unity and solidarity with each other.