News / protest
Police to enforce ‘group zones’ ahead of protests
A map displaying separate “group zones” for anti-immigration and counter protesters was shared by Avon and Somerset Police on Thursday, ahead of planned protests by both groups on Sunday.
The anti-immigration group led by Bristol Patriots and the counter-protest group will be allowed to assemble in “dedicated areas” near the Cenotaph from 11am.
Between 2pm to 2.15pm anti-immigration protesters will be allowed to march on their planned route to College Green, where they are expected to be met with a group of counter-protesters. Both groups will once again assemble in separate planned zones here, with heavy police presence expected
is needed now More than ever
Police hope that establishing zones will minimise clashes between the groups – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
The “group zones”, Avon and Somerset Police have said, are an attempt to “minimise disruption to other members of the public”.
With the planned policing operations, the two sets of protesters are expected to be kept entirely separate, while ensuring that “both groups have an equal opportunity to protest”.
Any actions that fail to comply with these conditions and the zones, could be deemed a criminal offence Failure to comply with the conditions of these zones will be deemed a criminal offence. Additionally, all protest action must conclude by 5pm.
Alongside the enforcements on demonstration zones, Avon and Somerset Police have authorised action in areas spanning from Hotwells to Temple Meads.
Officers will be allowed to ask people to remove face coverings, “if they have reason to believe it is being worn wholly or mainly to conceal their identity”, in accordance with the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
They will also be able to enact a “dispersal zone”, meaning that officers can request people leave an area if they believe they are causing or likely to cause distress to others.
These additional actions will be enforced between 7am-10pm across the areas on Sunday.
The additional powers will be enacted in the area highlighted in blue – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
Bristol Central neighbourhood policing team inspector John Shaddock said: “Everybody has a fundamental right to protest in the UK.
“We have a duty to enable peaceful protest, but what we will not tolerate is hate or violence from anyone.
“We would urge everyone planning to attend to familiarise themselves with the map so they know where they need to be and the relevant timings…
“By publishing the details of them with several days’ notice we are making sure everyone planning to attend is aware of them and therefore hope no arrests will be necessary.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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