Avon and Somerset Police react as disorder breaks out in Bristol City Centre over night

Police arrested a small number of people in an attempt to control several groups of protesters and isolated outbreaks of disorder in Bristol city centre throughout the night last night and have warned that further arrests will follow today.

A number of roads were closed to allow officers to take control of what was described as  a volatile situation. Police were advising members of the public to avoid the city centre and people that were already in the centre were told to leave the area and go home.  During the disorder a number of shops and vehicles were damaged.

Chief Superintendent Jon Stratford said "We have been working closely with other forces and criminal behaviour like this will not be tolerated.

"We were hoping this type of disorder would not come to Bristol. However we have plenty of units on duty ready to respond.

"Our primary concern is to keep people safe and minimise disruption to residents, motorists and local businesses.

"We will always respect the right of any individual or group to take part in a peaceful protest. But when disorder occurs, we have a duty to the wider community to do everything we can to calm the situation and restore order and prevent criminality."

The disturbance was brought to an end during the early hours of this morning and an investigation will has now been launched to bring those responsible to justice.

Avon and Somerset police have confirmed that officers worked closely with Bristol City Council, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service to ensure the safety of residents.

A small number of arrests were made but police officers will continue their enquiries throughout the day and will be using CCTV to identify offenders.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Operation Hale incident room on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.