UPDATE: Five individuals were arrested during a protest in Bristol yesterday, with police confirming that none were local residents. This incident highlights escalating tensions between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, revealing a surge in national unrest.
The protest unfolded on November 16, 2025, around 1 PM, when members of the anti-immigration group known as the ‘Bristol Patriots’ arrived at Redcliff Hill. They were met by a substantial gathering of anti-fascist activists already present to defend the area.
According to Avon & Somerset Police, the arrested individuals include a 22-year-old man from Cornwall, a 25-year-old man from Richmond-upon-Thames, two men aged 20 and 43 from Portsmouth, and a 37-year-old woman from London. Each is facing various charges, including assaulting emergency workers and resisting arrest, and all have been released on conditional bail.
Chief Inspector Keith Smith expressed disappointment over the violence, stating,
“It is disappointing a group within the counter protest has seemingly been intent on causing disorder.”
He praised the police force for maintaining order but condemned the assaults on officers, emphasizing that investigations will continue to hold those responsible accountable.
The protests also saw one police officer injured and subsequently hospitalized, although they have since been discharged. Smith reassured the public that the welfare of the officers involved is a top priority.
As tensions remain high, further inquiries are underway regarding additional assaults on police personnel during the protest. The situation in Bristol is a reflection of broader national divisions and raises questions about public safety at demonstrations.
In a notable moment, Nick Tenconi, leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party, attended the protests, sparking controversy with his remarks about Bristol, calling it a “communist run hell-hole” while also praising it as a “wonderful town.”
This developing story continues to resonate across social media, and updates are anticipated as investigations progress. Stay tuned for immediate updates on this urgent situation.
