A protest held in Gloucester on Saturday ended without incident, with police confirming that no arrests were made.
Groups of anti-immigration protestors and counter-protestors gathered outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.
About 120 people on both sides assembled outside the Ibis in Barnwood, Gloucester on Saturday.
Anti-immigration protestors carried Union flags and England flags, while the counter-protesters held signs with messages including “love thy neighbour”, and “refugees are welcome here”.
Officers were present in the Barnwood area to ensure the demonstration remained safe and lawful, while minimising disruption to residents, visitors, and businesses.
Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said:
“At yesterday’s protest we gradually deployed police officers in a thoughtful and proportionate manner. This was done to carefully balance the rights of those wishing to protest peacefully with the rights of the wider community, ensuring only minor disruption occurred.
“It is disappointing that local traffic was impacted, however I am pleased to say both protest groups worked with us before and during the event. As a result, there was no need to enforce protest legislation or make arrests.
“The role of the police at such events is to keep everyone safe and to balance individual rights without fear or favour. I am proud of the way officers and staff achieved this, and I appreciate the cooperation from the community, both protest groups, local partners, and neighbouring police forces.”
Local community officers will continue to patrol the area and remain available to anyone wishing to speak with them.
