07 August 2024 , 21:19
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Avon and Somerset Police earlier issued a dispersal zone order for an area in Bristol where potential far-right demonstrations were planned, but a huge crowd of 2,000 counter-protestors have turned out
Swathes of counter-protesters have lined the streets in Bristol ready to fend off the far-right.
More than 2,000 people have turned out on the West Street and Old Market area of the city where businesses had boarded up their windows in fear of further destruction on Wednesday evening. It comes after a law firm which deals with immigration law was named as one of more than 30 targets for so-called protests.
Police and public services across the country have been bracing for another wave of riots on Wednesday night after the list of potential events was shared on a channel on Telegram. Reports suggest the potential for up to 100 riots taking place after last Monday’s attacks at a dance event in Southport.
In Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police implemented a section 34 dispersal zone, meaning officers have heightened stop and search powers. But any far-right demonstrators coming to the city faced a huge crowd of anti-fascist protestors, with chants heard of: “Say it out loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”
One message posted on a street sign in the city read, "for our communities to be safe from fascism, our streets must be made unsafe for fascists". Bristol Law Centre, along with various other surrounding shops and businesses, was boarded up earlier on Wednesday in anticipation of more destruction.
One man was seen being arrested and put into a police van. However, cops later confirmed he had apprehended for a breach of the peace and later de-arrested.
The city was one of several in the UK which saw violence erupt at the weekend, with far-right members gathering outside a park before moving to a hotel housing asylum seekers. Footage showed punches being thrown, while a perceived lack of police presence at the hotel was criticised, prompting cops to admit they weren’t prepared for rioters to move to the hotel.
Hundreds of anti-fascist demonstrators gather on West Street, Bristol ( Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Walthamstow, London, also saw hundreds of anti-fascists gather to see off anyone from the far-right on Wednesday, with MP Stella Creasey saying there was a "three-figure" police presence ready. But half an hour past the given demonstration time, none of the expected demonstrators had arrived.
A police chief for Avon and Somerset vowed to take the “strongest possible action” against those taking part in planned unrest on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said he was aware of online posts calling people to gather in Bristol and vowed to “maintain order and keep people safe”.
Around 1,500 people are currently counter-protesting along the West Street and Old Market area ( Image: Bristol Live)
In a statement issued by Avon and Somerset Police, Mr Reilly said: “The incidents of disorder we’ve seen take place across the country recently, including in Bristol on Saturday, are completely unacceptable. These are not legitimate protests and we will not tolerate any behaviour which attempts to divide our communities.
“We’re aware of posts circulating online calling for people to gather in Bristol tomorrow night and I want to reassure you we’ll have significant resources in place to maintain order and keep people safe.” Avon and Somerset said on Wednesday: "We’ve approximately 250 officers available for tonight’s operation."