One councillor described the scenes as “violent and traumatic”
13:23, 24 Aug 2025Updated 13:38, 24 Aug 2025
Some officers policing yesterday’s protests in Bristol have been accused of “violence”, with two Green Party councillors taking to social media to voice their concerns. Anti-migrant protesters and hundreds of counter protesters gathered in Castle Park and on Newgate, just outside the Galleries car park, for several hours on Saturday (August 23).
Part of Newgate near Castle Park was blocked by police vans in the afternoon as the two groups faced off. A huge number of police officers, including mounted officers on horseback, worked to keep the peace and formed a human wall between the protesters before working to disperse them towards Broadmead.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers handled the situation “admirably” and the two protests “passed without significant incident”, with only a small number of people detained. However, police have been accused of heavy-handed actions during the dispersal.
Councillor Ellie Freeman who represents Bedminster, posted on Facebook claiming “there was a lot of aggressive policing today” and invited anyone affected to file a complaint with the force. She estimated around “250 antifascists and around 40 ‘patriots'” to be in attendance and that “the whole day felt very messy and dangerous” as the crowd attempted to march towards Broadmead.
Police officers scuffle with demonstrators during a protest at Castle Park(Image: PA)
Fellow Green Councillor Ani Townsend claimed to have witnessed officers “hitting people” and throwing people to the ground. They shared a post to X (formerly Twitter) saying: “‘Shame on you’ chant the anti-fascist counter protesters trying to prevent a group of far right, racist anti migrant bullies from getting to what they think is an asylum hotel whilst Avon & Somerset Police attempt to ‘facilitate’ the march.
“Utterly shocked and disgusted from the violence I witnessed from officers today. Hitting people, throwing people to the ground, hiding their badge numbers, some doing so whilst wearing a union flag themselves. This was not neutral policing today. It was dangerous. It was inflammatory. It was irresponsible.
“And they funnelled an increasingly hairy protest into the middle of a Lego promotional event full of children with complete disregard for public safety. I and my Green Councillor colleagues in attendance will be making multiple strong complaints about the policing choices made today. It could have been peaceful, poor choices made it violent and traumatic.
“If you were there, or you witnessed events, please consider a complaint or getting in touch.”
Footage filmed by Bristol Live at the scene does show police shoving protesters back in an apparent attempt to disperse the crowd near The Gym Group on Newgate. One protester was pulled off an officer and thrown to the ground, with three officers pinning him down.
A few moments later, a protester who does not appear to be pushing was suddenly repeatedly shoved by at least one officer, with enough force to send him stumbling back towards the police van. A witness was heard on camera saying: “They shoved that guy and he had done nothing.”
Statement from Avon and Somerset Police
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are aware of these comments around yesterday’s policing operation and we are seeking to arrange a convenient time to listen to the councillor’s concerns.
“Officers’ deployed at the protests, who are trained in public order policing, were wearing bodyworn cameras. Should any complaints be received, that footage will be reviewed by our Professional Standards Department as part of the standard assessment process, where deemed appropriate.”
The force outlines on its website that a proportionate ‘use of force’ is permitted when deemed necessary “on occasions to uphold the law and keep the public and themselves safe from harm”. This might include physically holding, pinning or restraining a person, for example.
Officers will be required to make a record of any use of force in line with national guidelines. Complaints regarding use of force can be made via its website.
