'Hope over hate' - thousands attend Bristol protest in stand against racism

• ITV News reporter Max Walsh reportes from the scene

Thousands of anti-racism protesters gathered in the centre of Bristol on the evening of Wednesday 7 August, just hours after community leaders called for unity.

Police said the demonstration in the Old Market area was largely peaceful, despite online speculation there would be unrest.

Hundreds of police officers were deployed following violent clashes in Bristol a few days earlier.

But only one arrest was made at Wednesday's event, after a brick and bottle were thrown at a police vehicle.

The positive nature of the protest was welcomed after days of unrest and violence in towns and cities across England.

In a statement released after the rally, Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres thanked those who gathered to demonstrate peacefully.

"We know our communities were worried about what might happen, but the vast majority of people displayed exemplary behaviour," he said.

"I'm extremely grateful for the assistance we've had from community and business leaders both in the lead up to, and during, tonight's operation. Their support has been invaluable."

Many businesses closed and boarded up their storefronts in anticipation of violence.

By 3pm, police were patrolling the Old Market area. Avon and Somerset Police say they deployed hundreds of officers in the city centre to "help keep the city safe".

In a statement released as speculation of a planned riot grew, Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “To be clear, at this time we are only aware of plans to gather on West Street.

"I urge people to let us deal with anyone who is violent, damages property or commits offences motivated by hate. We will not tolerate this behaviour and people can be reassured we will keep you safe.

“Those who engage in criminality, will be held accountable and will face the full force of the law.

"Enhanced stop and search powers are in place."

• Footage shows scale of crowd gathered in Bristol

By 7pm around 1,000 people had gathered in the Old Market area, chanting "refugees welcome".

Half an hour later, police on horseback were seen, and crowds had doubled - with some people seen heading further into the city centre.

Crowds at the rally told ITV News West Country the gathering showed the best of Bristol.

One person said: "It is really calm. I think everyone is here to show heart, it’s hope over hate. 

"We’re all coming together to show up for people, show up for the most vulnerable people here, and they are welcome."

• 'Hope not hate' - anti racism demonstrators speak out

Violent unrest broke out in parts of the UK after false speculation about the identity of the teenager suspected of killing three young girls in a knife attack in Southport last month.

One anti-racism protester in Bristol told ITV News: "I think it’s been a very good turn out. I think a lot of people have shown up to really show the community and everybody that we’re not okay with the fascism and the racism that is being presented in our country at the moment."

"For them to say it’s in response with what happened, with those little girls - it’s not.

"Any normal human would be mourning the death of those little girls. What happened was absolutely tragic but they can’t use it as a point to feed that agenda of hate."

Speaking as the demonstration was ongoing, a police spokesperson said they were facilitating the peaceful gathering and were "grateful for the public's support".

"There were rumours of a far-right gathering in the city centre but this came to nothing," they added.

By 10pm, just a few hundred people remained on the ground.

In a statement released after the demonstration, Avon and Somerset Police said: "One person has been arrested after a brick and a bottle were thrown at a police vehicle.

"We’ve facilitated a largely peaceful protest but we won’t tolerate acts of criminality."Significant numbers of officers remain in the Old Market area to maintain order."

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