Rioters threw missiles at police, laid "siege" to a station and set vans on fire as violence erupted during a 'Kill the Bill' demonstration yesterday.
Seven arrests were made overnight as 12 officers were injured - two seriously - following the night of disorder.
The country watched in horror as pictures emerged of the chaos which spilled out on to the city's streets, after a peaceful protest at College Green.
Police chiefs have now blamed “violent extremists and criminals” for hijacking the event.
But today, as the huge clean up began, people's thoughts and praise have been directed solely to police officers - who battled through the night to bring peace and order to our streets.
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Flowers have been dropped off at Bridewell Police Station, along with dozens of notes.
One read: "I fully support the brave police officers on duty today ... I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers for their service and let you know that I support you 100 per cent in these very difficult and trying times."
Another said: "I saw the shocking violence all your officers, horses and dogs were subjected to during the protest in Bristol. It was abhorrent to watch. I hope all the officers injured, recover quickly. Thank you for being brave, doing your job and protecting our country. Some of us do care."
And someone else wanted to express their 'huge thanks'.
They wrote: "Wishing those injured a speedy recovery and hope the thugs responsible are swiftly bought to justice."
Twelve police vehicles were damaged, the station’s windows were smashed and 20 officers were injured as rioters clashed with police.
Chief constable Andy Marsh said the officer who suffered a punctured lung had been “brutally stamped on” in a police press briefing this morning (Monday, March 22).
He added: “ I spoke to them in hospital last night, and they were barely able to speak. They’ve been undergoing X-rays and CT scans.
"We’re concerned the other officer taken to hospital has broken an arm. They were both released in the early hours of this morning and they’re now thankfully home with their families."
