The police chief watchdog says officers acted appropriately when two opposing protest groups clashed in Bristol. Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford, confirmed he's received a number of emails since the demonstrations on Sunday.
Trans activist group Bristol Against Hate staged a counter-protest alongside women's group Standing For Women - who have been accused of being transphobic - as they held a demonstration in the city centre on Sunday afternoon (June 19). Approximately 150 protesters across the two groups gathered on College Green where the counter protesters were heard booing speeches from the women's rights group and chanting 'trans rights are human rights'.
At one point, officers were required to form a line between protestors in order to keep them apart and maintain order. Tensions between the two groups became so strained that police reportedly closed the Slug and Lettuce bar after the counter-demonstrators "followed" the women's group.
As it happened: Trans rights activists stage counter-rally on College Green
The force has said they have received a lot of contact from the public regarding the level of police presence and the level of their response. It highlighted how the right to protest is "a fundamental democratic right" amid accusations on social media that they did not do enough to protect the demonstrators.
Mr Shelford, said: “I am aware there was an event on College Green, Bristol, on Sunday involving the gathering of a women’s group and a counter-protest that took place in relation to this event. The job of the police is to facilitate protest, in an impartial way, while prioritising the safety of those in attendance and maintaining public order.
“On balance, the event appeared to pass without any major incident and I thank the officers who were there to keep the public safe. I am getting a lot of contact, through email and social media, about the level of police presence and their response to some of the actions of people from both groups."
PCC added he will be seeking assurances from the Chief Constable regarding the approach to the policing on the day, as well as ensuring that there are appropriate and proportionate responses to any incidents or complaints that were reported to Avon and Somerset Police after the event.
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