Zero Tolerance to Bristol City Centre Protests Today Police Warn

Bristol Protest: Bristol police warn they are taking a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to a number of protests that are taking part in Central Bristol today.

Avon and Somerset police have worked with Bristol City Council to police a march by Gays Against Sharia, who are descending on the city to protest the death of Kevin ‘Bunny’ Crehan.

A counter protest has been planned by opposition group Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants Bristol.

Police say their operation is based on ‘well-rehearsed plans’ which they have used for other major protests that have taken place in the city during the last two years.

They will be supported by officers who are specially trained in public order, mounted police, dog handlers and a drone from Wiltshire Police which will feedback real-time imagery from above.

They anticipate up to 300 people attending the march, who will be meeting near Wetherspoon pub Knights Templar at Temple Quay behind Temple Meads railway station.

The Gays Against Sharia group, marched through Bristol in September 2017, attracted just 70 people.

Today’s event will be taking place from midday. They are expected to hold a short march from 2pm.

Chief Inspector Zoe Chegwyn said: “We have a long history in Avon and Somerset of facilitating peaceful protests, especially in Bristol city centre.

“Our main priority is always to ensure public safety, minimising the disruption to those who work and live in, or are visiting the city. It is important to stress there will inevitably be some disruption on Saturday, which even with the best plans in place cannot be avoided.

“We will police the events proportionately, based on our intelligence and information and our work with the organisers to ensure there is a trouble-free and peaceful protest.

“Where necessary we will take positive and proportionate action if offences are committed, securing and preserving evidence to bring offenders to justice.

“Our message is simple – come to Bristol to have an enjoyable time but if you are coming to Bristol city centre with the specific intention of disrupting peaceful protests, you will not be welcome.”

The far-right group will meet in an area of Bristol which is just a short distance from the most diverse area of Bristol. More than 100 officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary are expected to be in attendance.

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