15 arrests in violent protests in Bristol

More than a dozen people have been arrested after a demonstration in Bristol turned violent leaving police and protesters injured.

The disturbances in the early hours came just six days after a riot in the same area of Bristol.

Running skirmishes spilled out from the Stokes Croft area towards the Cabot Circus shopping centre.

Police said around 400 people were involved and saw rioters breaking down residential walls and removing roof tiles to use as missiles.

They also lit fires, set up barricades in the road and daubed graffiti throughout the area.

Avon and Somerset Police said several officers suffered head, neck, back and leg injuries, and required hospital treatment after being pelted with bottles, rocks and other missiles. A total of 15 people were arrested and more arrests were expected, the force said.

Last week's disturbances in Stokes Croft saw a branch of Tesco Metro, which has been subject of a campaign to prevent its recent opening, attacked. The retail giant condemned the trouble and said the violence showed it was not an anti-Tesco campaign.

A spokesman said: "It is very sad that a number of individuals have once again turned against the police and the local community. Last night's violence in Stokes Croft and beyond underlined that this is not an anti-Tesco protest, our store is not even open."

Later, police said they had raided a property in Cheltenham Road - the centre of recent trouble. The operation took place at 9.30am. A force spokesman said: "Police believe there is a direct connection between this property and the disorder, which saw more than 400 people clash with police, resulting in injuries on both sides.

"A number of people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. In light of recent events police have worked jointly with Bristol City Council to bring forward the eviction process around that property."