News / protest
Police reveal how far-right mob attacked hotel in their absence
They were some of the nastiest scenes witnessed in Bristol for many years: an angry far-right mob attacking a hotel housing asylum seekers which was being defended by a human shield.
Since the events of Saturday, police have come in for criticism as to how they allowed this particular incident to happen as elsewhere officers mostly prevented those taking part in the anti-immigration rally and counter-protesters to meet.
A senior officer has now explained the reasons why as the number of arrests following the violence across the city centre has risen to 17.
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The attempted storming of the hotel happened after the far-right were pushed back by police from Castle Park over Bristol Bridge.
A large group then walked to the Mercure Hotel in Redcliffe, which was known to be a target but had no police present when the mob arrived – only a human shield of counter-protesters who heroically defended the building from attack.
Avon & Somerset Police deputy chief constable Jon Reilly said that officers originally stationed at the hotel left Redcliff Hill “to respond to disorder nearby where the risk was deemed to be greater” but returned “within minutes… as soon as we became aware that the two groups had gathered outside”.
It has been estimated that fighting at the hotel took place for up to ten minutes before police reinforcements arrived, with officers on horseback and with dogs dispersing the mob who Bristol24/7 saw unsuccessfully attempting to rip metal fencing from the nearby Colosseum pub.
Reilly said: “Officers, many of whom came in on their day off, put themselves in harm’s way and faced significant disorder and abuse on Saturday as they protected the public.
“This was an incredibly complex police operation which was put in place to allow peaceful protest to take place safely.
“Unfortunately, many people’s behaviour crossed the line into disorder and that is something we will not tolerate.
“The arrest of those responsible will continue over the coming days as our investigation progresses.
“We know there has been speculation online about our response to incidents outside the Mercure Hotel and I’d like to reassure people that we had officers outside until they were required to respond to disorder nearby where the risk was deemed to be greater.
“As soon as we became aware that the two groups had gathered outside, officers returned within minutes.
Reilly added: “We are also aware of footage on social media of an altercation between a number of men in Castle Park on Saturday. Two arrests have been made in connection with this incident.
“Bristol is a strong and resilient community and we’re beyond grateful for all the support we have received.”
A 36-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder on Sunday remains in police custody.
Two of the 16 people arrested on Saturday – including a man from Knowle West – have now been charged and 13 have been released on bail with conditions including not to enter Bristol city centre while police investigations are continuing.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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