Avon and Somerset Police have made an arrest following an incident during a protest in the city. The arrest took place on West Street after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was also hurled.
The protest, which had been largely peaceful, turned violent when projectiles were launched at law enforcement officials. The swift response from the police led to the immediate apprehension of a suspect believed to be involved in the disorder.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We can confirm that an arrest was made on West Street following an incident during a protest in the city. A brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was also thrown. Officers acted swiftly to detain the individual responsible.”
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be questioned regarding the incident. Authorities have not yet released further details about the individual.
The protest had seen a significant police presence, with officers deployed to ensure the safety of participants and the general public. Despite the arrest, the majority of demonstrators continued to express their views peacefully.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones commented on the situation: “While we support the right to peaceful protest, we cannot and will not tolerate violence or any acts that endanger the safety of the public or our officers. The swift action taken today demonstrates our commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all involved.”
The police are urging anyone with additional information or footage of the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation. They have also increased patrols in the area to prevent any further disturbances and reassure the community.
Local residents expressed their concerns following the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace during protests. One resident, Mark Thompson, said: “We understand the need to protest, but violence is never the answer. It’s important for everyone to stay calm and express their views in a peaceful manner.”