It all started in Bristol’s Castle Park and was quite medieval – a huge brawl between two sides prepared to fight.
Counter-protesters were ready by the hundreds, chanting “fascists are not welcome.”
On the other side, a smaller crowd of right-wing protesters, some of whom had already been to the football game, chanted “we want our country back”.
Protests as they happened:
Injured police officers, looting and dozens of arrests
The two groups were separated – until suddenly they weren’t and the battle began.
Counter-protesters occupying the walls above, with right-wingers on the hill below.
They started throwing bottles and then punches – my cameraman Chris and I put beer bottles in our helmets.
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Violence in Bristol
The most violent part occurred when the protesters were expelled from the park.
Police used dogs and horses to drive them back across the bridge. And this would be the ebb and flow of the night.
Things were apparently calm until the two sides antagonized each other and the confrontation resumed – from the city to a hotel housing asylum seekers.
That was – for now – the last face-to-face meeting and things died down, the final embers of a fiery night.
With both sides thus determined, even if in incompatible numbers, the conflict could easily be reignited.
Where riots broke out on Saturday
Saturday saw more disorder and violence across the UK, with far-right and anti-immigrant groups attacking members of the public.
It was here that riots and protests broke out on Saturday…
hull – Four people were arrested after three officers were injured during a protest in which a group of people attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Bristol – Approximately 100 protesters were outnumbered, about four to one, by counter-protesters chanting anti-fascist slogans, where missiles were thrown and police detained people.
Liverpool – Two police officers were taken to hospital with suspected broken jaws and broken noses. A trash can was set on fire and young people threw objects at the police. Six people, aged between 29 and 58, were arrested on suspicion of crimes. A Section 60 order is in force in Liverpool until 8.40pm on Sunday, giving police officers extra powers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning crimes.
Nottingham – At least three people were arrested when fighting broke out between opposing groups in the city’s Market Square. Cries of “England until I die” and “Tommy Robinson” were drowned out by boos from counter-protesters.
Belfast – Fireworks were launched amid tense exchanges between an anti-Islam group and an anti-racism demonstration in Belfast.
14 people arrested after ‘unacceptable’ scenes
Avon and Somerset Police said 14 people were arrested following the disorder in Bristol.
Chief Neighborhood Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said in a statement: “Some of the scenes we saw in Bristol tonight were completely unacceptable.
“We will always facilitate peaceful and lawful protests, however the behavior of a minority of people tonight crossed the line.
“Fourteen people have been arrested for various crimes and there will be further arrests in the coming days as we work to identify those responsible for this disorder.
“Make no mistake – they will face the full force of the law for their violence.
“I would like to thank the officers, including those who came from other forces, for their commitment to protecting the public and also our partners for all their support.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story