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Protesters released after demo and counter-rally

Sarah Turnnidge
BBC News, Bristol
Ross Pollard
BBC Points West
BBC A large group of police stand in front of a van, with lots of protesters in front of the Cenotaph. People can be seen holding banners and flags. BBC
A crowd gathered to oppose about 100 UKIP ers

Three of the five people arrested in connection with a protest in Bristol have been released.

About 100 people attended a UK Independence Party (UKIP) demo on Saturday calling for "mass deportations", while about 250 people gathered for a counter-protest.

Police vans and horses were stationed in the area around the Cenotaph, while a large number of officers created a cordon between the two groups.

Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed two of the five arrested were given out-of-court disposals.

Avon and Somerset Police An aerial view of a large crowd of people gathering close to a war memorial. They are partially surrounded by three police vans and groups of police officers. The spaces is dotted with trees.Avon and Somerset Police
A drone image of the counter protesters gathering before the arrival of the UKIP ers

The force previously said one man had been arrested on suspicion of assault, a second man on suspicion of theft, while two women and a man were detained on suspicion of breaching the peace.

Ch Insp Jason Sims, Silver Commander for the protest, said: "Overall, both groups were calm and engaged with officers, however we did see a handful of clashes between the two sides.

"A number of arrests have been made and investigations and further enquiries continue."

Almost 170 officers were deployed to police the event, including dog handlers, drone operators, traffic officers and the cycle team.

A sparse group of protesters, some of which are holding the England flag and the Union Jack, are shown standing behind a line of police. One person can be seen speaking into a megaphone.
Around 50 UKIP ers attended the protest

Ch Insp Sims added: "A large number of our officers cancelled their days off with their loved ones to facilitate the policing of this event, which enabled us to keep the public safe, and I cannot thank them enough for making that personal sacrifice

"I would also like to thank our colleagues at the ambulance and fire services and local authority for their ."

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