Scott Ellis

Ten people were arrested after anti-immigration and counter-protests in Bristol involving an estimated 150 anti-immigration protesters and 300 counter-protesters. Police reported pockets of disorder, attempts to breach police lines and several alleged offences, including concealing identities, assault and obstruction. Around 300 officers from Avon and Somerset Police and ten other forces were deployed, while the demonstrations caused significant traffic disruption in the city centre.

Ten people were arrested after anti-immigration and counter-protests in Bristol involving an estimated 150 anti-immigration protesters and 300 counter-protesters. Police reported pockets of disorder, attempted breaches of police lines and offences including assaults, obstruction and concealing identities under new face-covering rules. Around 300 officers, supported by 10 other forces and a mounted unit, were deployed, while protests disrupted traffic and access around the city centre.

Bugsboarding Mountainboarding Centre, a purpose-built facility on a beef farm in Maisemore, Gloucestershire, is hosting the UK National Mountainboard Championships. Owner Nina Bubb has spent 23 years developing the centre after an earlier scrambler-bike venture was affected by noise complaints. As other UK mountainboarding centres have closed because of financial pressures, Bugsboarding has become a key national hub, attracting leading riders including world champion Amon Shaw and 2025 freestyle champion Margaux Rowland. Participants describe the sport as adventurous, inclusive and liberating, while Bubb says interest is growing despite the decline in dedicated venues.

Residents evacuated from Bristol’s Barton House criticised an independent review for failing to address their concerns about the tower block’s future. The report found the 2023 evacuation was justified but caused avoidable harm due to delayed and unclear communication by Bristol City Council. Reviewers noted lasting damage to trust, and campaigners said they still felt unsafe and believed the building should be demolished. Council housing chief Barry Parsons acknowledged residents’ anger and said future decisions must be made with their involvement.

Four members of a Bristol gang were jailed for a series of violent motorbike thefts and the kidnapping and assault of a 15‑year‑old. The group stole high‑value bikes worth up to £1 million, attacked members of the public, and filmed their offences for social media. Police described the crimes as increasingly violent and said the men believed they were untouchable until their arrest. A victim recounted the disruption caused by the theft of his bike, while officers highlighted a brutal attack on a security guard that helped lead to the gang’s capture.