Full Breakdown
Police Enforce Temporary Powers During Bristol Protest and Counter-Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – October 9 Demonstrations in Bristol City Centre
On October 9, far-right group Bristol Rises staged an “emergency protest” at College Green from 7 p.m. A coalition of anti-racism organisations, including Stand Up To Racism, organised a counter-protest that gathered from 6:30 p.m. Avon and Somerset Police declared a dispersal zone (Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014) and activated a temporary face-covering ban (Section 157 of the Crime and Police Act 2026) from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Officers warned that anyone concealing their identity without a lawful exemption could be arrested.
Background & Context
Bristol Rises split from the earlier Bristol Patriots after a March 2024 march that featured neo-Nazi participants and police intervention. Prior demonstrations on College Green saw roughly 60 far-right demonstrators contained by police and surrounded by hundreds of counter-protesters. The October 9 event continued the pattern of confrontations in the city.
Key Figures & Groups
- Chief Inspector Keith Smith – neighbourhood policing chief, Avon and Somerset Police.
- Avon and Somerset Police – authorising the temporary powers.
- Bristol Rises – far-right protest organisers.
- Stand Up To Racism – coalition leading the counter-protest.
- Shine Night Walk – cancer-fundraising 10 km walk postponed due to the protest.
- Cara Lavan – Green Party city councillor criticising the postponement.
Data & Statistics
- Arrests: Two men detained – one for breaching the face-covering ban, another on suspicion of assault.
- Attendance: About 50 protesters and 120 counter-protesters on College Green.
- Police resources: Officers, a drone team, horses and police vans formed a human wall to separate the sides.
- Legal framework: Face-covering provision under Section 157 of the Crime and Police Act 2026; dispersal zone under Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Official Statements & Responses
Avon and Somerset Police said officers would inform participants of the restrictions, give them the chance to remove face coverings or leave the zone, and act against any criminality. The force stressed the powers were temporary, limited to the designated hours.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People are free to express their views lawfully, but anyone who crosses the line into criminality should not mistake a lack of immediate arrest for a lack of action.” — Ch Insp Keith Smith
- “We will be using both existing policing powers and the new powers available to us during this protest to help keep people safe, prevent disorder and respond to any criminality.” — Chief Inspector Keith Smith
What’s Next
The Shine Night Walk organisers have rescheduled the 10 km fundraising walk for October 16. No further protests have been announced for that date, and police indicated the temporary powers will be lifted after the October 9 event concludes.