News / protest
Stand Up to Racism claim counter-protesters ‘set on by police’
More claims have been made about the conduct of police officers against counter-protesters during a recent anti-immigration rally.
Stand Up to Racism say they were “appalled” at the behaviour of police officers on Saturday with five complaints so far received by the police.
A senior Avon & Somerset Police officer says that colleagues from his force and others “faced a really challenging situation” and that “any issues identified (will) be acted on accordingly”.
Stand Up to Racism claim that some officers hit counter-protesters with truncheons “to try and force a way through the crowd to enable the hate marchers to proceed through Broadmead” with police horses used to push the counter-protesters back.
A Stand Up For Racism spokesperson said: “The actions of the police demonstrate why it has never been more important to turn out and demonstrate the proud anti-fascist, anti-racist hospitality of Bristol.
“Bristol SUTR condemns the tactical decisions taken by police on 23rd August. A peaceful protest which was seeking to prevent sieg heiling hate marchers from intimidating vulnerable people was set on by police.”
One counter-protester says a mounted police officer “repeatedly kicked anti-racist protesters from their horse” with another saying he was “violently pushed by a police officer onto his back”.
Windmill Hill councillor Lisa Stone, one of a number of Green Party councillors in attendance, claims that she “was literally picked up and thrown to the ground” by an officer and “could have easily smashed my head on the road”.
Stone said: “I was very disappointed with the way the police handled the protest. They should have protected the public and not thrown their weight around acting like hired thugs…
“If the police thought to manage the situation in a responsible way, they would have escorted them (the anti-immigrants) back into the park, then allowed them to leave in peace.”
Another Green councillor, Lorraine Francis, added: “I was appalled at the tactics deployed by police on 23rd August. Who briefed the officers? This is unforgiveable.”
There were more than 100 counter-protesters in Castle Park on Saturday – photo: Rob Browne
Avon & Somerset Police have so far received five complaints about their actions on Saturday but it has not yet been ascertained whether people making these complaints are eligible as police rules mean that people need to be a witness to the event in order to make an official complaint.
In a statement to Bristol24/7, chief superintendent Mark Edgington said: “A significant policing operation, involving officers from Avon and Somerset Police and other forces, was stood up in response to a protest and counter-protest on Saturday in Bristol.
“Our police liaison team sought to treat the two groups equally and engaged with those involved for the purpose of enabling lawful peaceful protest, both in the lead up and on the day itself.
“Officers on the ground faced a really challenging situation and in Newgate positioned themselves in such a way to separate the two groups and keep the public safe, during which it was important to maintain our professional approach.
“One woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker on the day and has since been released under investigation. A number of other assaults on officers have been recorded.
“We are aware of some criticism relating to our actions and we have already put steps in place to review footage we recorded on Saturday and for any issues identified to be acted on accordingly.
“Separately, our Professional Standards Department (PSD) has received five complaints relating to events on Saturday. Work to process them is being prioritised.
“Prior to officially recording any complaint, PSD will follow the statutory guidance around eligibility to check whether the complainant – or the person they are complaining on behalf of – witnessed the incident in person or has been directly affected by it, depending on the nature of the issues they raise.
“Officers deployed at the protests, who are trained in public order policing, were equipped with bodyworn cameras.
“That footage will be reviewed by our Professional Standards Department where deemed appropriate when reviewing eligible complaints.”
‘Stop the boats, deport illegals now’ read one sign held up by anti-immigration protesters – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Ani Townsend
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