Mayor says inequalities as seen in US felt on city streets

BRISTOL Mayor Marvin Rees said the racial inequalities exposed by clashes between police and protesters in the United States are being felt on the streets of Bristol.

Mr Rees was speaking in the wake of an incident in the St Paul’s area of Bristol on Friday evening.

Video footage of police dealing with a situation on Winkworth Place and Argyle Road circulated widely on social media.

A police officer suffered a suspected fractured jaw during the disturbance and another man was found to have suffered a head injury which police believe was caused by him being struck by a weapon.

Officers recovered a baseball bat at the scene.

A police spokesman said yesterday that the officer was struck in the face a number of times and may need surgery as a result of the injuries.

Officers were called to the scene at about 7.40pm on Friday.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker. On Saturday, an 18-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of affray in connection with the disorder.

Both men have been released on conditional bail.

On Saturday Mr Rees wrote on Facebook that he, deputy mayor Asher Craig and several community leaders had talked with Avon and Somerset Police Bristol Commander Andy Bennett and Bristol East Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Paul Wigginton.

Mr Rees wrote: “It is a complicated local situation compounded by wider tensions brought upon us by the racial inequalities being exposed by covid 19 and the situation in the US.

“We have been in the area talking with members of the community today.

“We are pleased to say police are making available the footage shot on the body worn cameras of the officers involved along with recordings of the audio communications officers were receiving at the time.

“It is important we work together to safeguard the safety of our community at this time.”

Chief Inspector Wigginton said: “We were called on Friday evening following a number of 999 calls about a public disturbance in the St Paul’s area of Bristol.

“On arrival officers found a large number of people in the streets and a man who had suffered a head injury. He received treatment at the scene but was taken to hospital by paramedics.

“One of our officers present at the scene suffered a nasty injury and received several blows to the face, requiring emergency treatment.

“Our investigation into what happened is still in its early stages and CCTV enquiries are being undertaken. We’d be grateful for anyone with information to come forward to help us build a full understanding of what occurred.”