Bristol riots: Council leader's message for peace and unity as further "hateful" protests planned across city

Avon and Somerset Police has issued a statement saying it is “aware people are planning to gather on Old Market” tonight (August 7) and hundreds of specially trained public order officers will be in Bristol to manage the planned demonstrations in the eastern part of the city.

Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “These officers will be supported by specialist resources from our mounted, dog and drone units.

“Like on Saturday, enhanced stop and search powers will be in place under Section 60 and Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. These will be in place from 4pm today (Wednesday 7 August) until 7am tomorrow (Thursday 8 August).

“A Section 34 dispersal zone has also been authorised which will give officers powers to move on groups or individuals causing – or who are likely to cause – harassment, alarm or distress to others.

“I want to be honest with people, we do not know exactly how many people are planning to demonstrate or how they intend to express themselves.

“What I can say is that we will respond swiftly and dynamically to any incidents of disorder, should they occur, and will use all the powers and tactics available to us to maintain order and keep people safe.

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“I urge people to let us deal with anyone who is violent, damages property or commits offences motivated by hate. We will not tolerate this behaviour and people can be reassured we will keep you safe.

“Those who engage in criminality, will be held accountable and will face the full force of the law.”

Chancellor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Green Party Councillor for Southville ward, Bristol has also released a statement on the ongoing violence facing the region and the UK.

Council Leader responds to Bristol protests

“Bristol is the city of my birth and it is a city of sanctuary. We are a tolerant and diverse city and we will stand together every time, when faced with violence, hatred, racism and Islamophobia.

“Those who seek to divide us do so on the back of a false narrative. One that started with wrongly blaming an asylum seeker for the horrific attack in Southport, but has now led to racist attacks on our Muslim and black communities all over the country.

“As a result, large numbers of our residents have been scared to leave their homes or visit our city centre.

“We will not stand for this. We will show that the numbers of Bristolians who stand for peace and inclusion are far greater than those who spread violence and racism.

“I am proud to represent this city, not simply because I was born here, but because of its ever-increasing willingness to stand up for what is right. My Green colleagues were out on Saturday supporting those coming under threat. Some of them also came under threat and were subjected to abuse.

“I commend those who went out to peacefully protect vulnerable adults and children, and the values of our city. I am also grateful to the police and the emergency services who put themselves on the front line.

“On Saturday, Bristol stood up to hatred, fear and injustice – just as it has done many times in the past and will continue to do in the future.”