This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2918q0nj8o

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bristol anti-immigration march met by large counter group Bristol anti-immigration march met by large counter group
(32 minutes later)
People gathered in and near Castle Park in BristolPeople gathered in and near Castle Park in Bristol
A group of anti-immigration protesters have been outnumbered by counter protesters as they demonstrated against hotels housing asylum seekers.A group of anti-immigration protesters have been outnumbered by counter protesters as they demonstrated against hotels housing asylum seekers.
About 50 people planned to meet in Castle Park in Bristol to oppose the government scheme and march through the city, but they were met by about 250 counter protesters.About 50 people planned to meet in Castle Park in Bristol to oppose the government scheme and march through the city, but they were met by about 250 counter protesters.
Mounted police held the two sides back from each other for almost two hours near The Galleries car park, blocking the road during confrontational scenes. Avon and Somerset Police said there were "moments of disturbance" but that the protests went without "significant incident".
The officers, who have extra powers to move people on this weekend, were also present as the anti-immigration group marched towards a hotel near Broadmead. One woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, and officers detained other individuals at points, but they have all been de-arrested.
Avon and Somerset Police said a dispersal zone had been authorised, giving officers the power to move on groups or individuals causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others.
This power, made under Section 34/35 of the Antisocial Behaviour and Policing Act 2014, will be in place until 07:00 BST on Sunday.
Officers have a dispersal zone authorisedOfficers have a dispersal zone authorised
The main police operation has been stood down, but there will be a presence in the city centre until 07:00 BST on Sunday and a dispersal zone, which allows officers to move on groups or individuals causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others.
Mounted police held the two sides back from each other for almost two hours near The Galleries car park, blocking the road during confrontational scenes.
None of the officers suffered serious physical injury or needed hospital treatment, but the force said there will be enquiries after reports of assaults on them.
Protesters from both sides of the debate turned out
Chief Insp Keith Smith said: "Our priority today has been to enable lawful peaceful protest for both groups.
"Our officers have dealt admirably with a really challenging situation, and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank them for their professionalism.
"While there were moments of disturbance, we're pleased to say the two protests have passed without significant incident."
He explained the force had worked with the city council to try and minimise disruption to the public and thanked people for their patience. There was a road closure, but that has been lifted.
Police spoke to people from both sides before the demonstrations to ensure they knew what was planned
Bristol City Council said it has no plans to challenge the government's use of hotels to house asylum seekers in the city.Bristol City Council said it has no plans to challenge the government's use of hotels to house asylum seekers in the city.
Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: "Bristol is a long-established place of sanctuary. We are a diverse city and are proud to welcome and provide safety for people seeking sanctuary from a wide range of backgrounds.Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: "Bristol is a long-established place of sanctuary. We are a diverse city and are proud to welcome and provide safety for people seeking sanctuary from a wide range of backgrounds.
"As a City of Sanctuary, we will continue to support and show compassion to people when they need it most.""As a City of Sanctuary, we will continue to support and show compassion to people when they need it most."
He added: "Our focus is on working collaboratively to improve conditions for people seeking sanctuary and fostering compassionate and resilient communities in Bristol."He added: "Our focus is on working collaboratively to improve conditions for people seeking sanctuary and fostering compassionate and resilient communities in Bristol."
Protesters from both sides of the debate turned out
Police spoke to people from both sides before the demonstrations to ensure they knew what was planned
Police said they had spoken to people from both sides ahead of the protest to make sure they could put plans in place for the demonstrations.
Chief Insp Keith Smith said he was "grateful for the co-operation".
Bristol City Council said it had no plans to challenge the government's use of hotels to house asylum seekers in the cityBristol City Council said it had no plans to challenge the government's use of hotels to house asylum seekers in the city
There were confrontational scenesThere were confrontational scenes
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.