Arrests amid 'deportation' demo and counter-rally

Five people have been arrested in connection with a protest in Bristol city centre.

About 100 people attended a UK Independence Party (UKIP) demo calling for "mass deportations", while about 250 people gathered for a counter-protest.

Police vans and horses were stationed in the area around the Cenotaph, while a large number of police officers created a cordon.

Avon and Somerset Police said one man had been arrested on suspicion of assault, a second man on suspicion of theft, while two women and a man were detained on suspicion of breaching the peace.

Ch Insp Jason Sims, Silver Commander for the protest, said: "Overall, both groups were calm and engaged with officers, however we did see a handful of clashes between the two sides.

"A number of arrests have been made and investigations and further enquiries continue."

Almost 170 officers were deployed to police the event, and a police line was used to keep the two sides apart.

The number of officers also included dog handlers, drone operators, traffic officers and the cycle team.

Counter protesters began gathering at about 11:30 BST, while the UKIP demonstrators arrived at 13:00.

St Augustine's Parade and Colston Avenue were closed in both directions at around 12:30 to ensure public safety but were reopened just before 16:00 when the crowd had dispersed.

Mr Sims added: "A large number of our officers cancelled their days off with their loved ones to facilitate the policing of this event, which enabled us to keep the public safe, and I cannot thank them enough for making that personal sacrifice

"I would also like to thank our colleagues at the ambulance and fire services and local authority for their support."

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