Police officers on horseback were observed using batons in clashes with counter-protesters at a march. The confrontation occurred in Bristol city center, where a group called ‘Bristol Patriots’ gathered and began their march from the Cenotaph in St Augustine’s Parade. Around 200 counter-protesters from anti-fascist and anti-racist groups met the ‘Bristol Patriots’ as they planned to move around Broadmead.
Tensions escalated, leading to disorder between the two groups, resulting in six arrests, according to Avon and Somerset Police. The police, consisting of 200 officers, used “proportionate force” to maintain order, including the deployment of batons and horses to separate the crowds. Assistance was provided by officers from Wiltshire Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary, and Devon & Cornwall Police, with the deployment of horse and dog units.
The march commenced with a heavy police escort, and at Union Street, police vans and mounted units blocked the road as officers struggled to prevent clashes between protesters. The procession faced interruptions at various points, including scuffles outside Primark and a stand-off near Cabot Circus on the Horsefair.
As the 40 protesters continued towards Cabot Circus, a buffer zone of approximately 50 yards was created by the police. Counter-protesters chanted “Bristol is anti-fascist” as the march concluded. Chaotic scenes unfolded as the police cleared a route through Haymarket, encountering resistance from counter-protesters who accused the police of using excessive force with horses and batons.
Six arrests were made during the protest, with all suspects taken into custody. The ‘Bristol Patriots’ group gained visibility around the same time as the ‘Raise the Colours’ flag movement in 2025, with their website outlining goals to “Get Starmer Out and stop the boats.”