Bristol protests: Two charged following violent disorder

Two men have been charged in connection with protests that turned violent in Bristol.

They happened at Castle Park on the evening of Saturday 3 August.

Damien Williams, 39, of Stockwood Crescent, Knowle, has been charged with a Section 4 public order offence.

Adrian Croft, 45, of Holywell, Flintshire, was charged with a Section 4 public order offence.

Tempers flared at a counter-demonstration to a far-right rally, with protesters gathering from 6pm.

It followed the deaths of three young girls who were killed in a knife attack in Southport on Monday 29 July.

Both men have been bailed to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday 5 September.

Avon and Somerset Police said on Monday 5 August that a total of 17 people have been arrested for a range of offences as our investigation into disorder in Bristol on Saturday night continues.

Thirteen people have been released on police bail with conditions including not to enter Bristol city centre while investigations progress.

A police spokesperson said: "Significant planning was carried out last week to minimise the risk to the public ahead of the weekend and we will not hesitate to reenact those plans should we need to.

"We recognise the impact this has had on our communities and we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders, including faith leaders, to keep them updated.

"Neighbourhood officers are carrying out high-visibility reassurance patrols and these will continue over the coming weeks.

"Saturday’s policing operation was a dynamic and challenging one with officers required to respond to various incidents of disorder across the city centre.

"Detectives are now reviewing footage to identify those responsible for the disorder and we will provide updates on our enquiries as soon as they are available."