Ryan Bridge, co-founder of the group Raise the Colours, has been arrested following violent clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters in Brighton. Bridge and his supporters traveled to the city on Saturday to show solidarity with the South East Patriots and their Stop the Boats campaign.
Confrontation Caught on Camera
Earlier in the day, Bridge was filmed approaching a group of Antifa activists, shouting, 'Oi, what ya saying, what ya saying,' before being struck in the face by a masked individual. The blow caused his lip to burst, and he was seen bleeding heavily as Sussex Police led him away. Later that evening, during a live stream while wearing a blood-stained t-shirt, Bridge claimed he had been arrested and subsequently released.
Police Statement
Sussex Police confirmed: 'A 44-year-old man from Worcestershire was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He has been conditionally bailed until 14 July.'
An estimated 300 people participated in the Stop the Boats protest, but they were vastly outnumbered by around 4,000 attendees supporting the Carnival Against Fascism. In total, eight individuals were arrested during the clashes.
Chief Superintendent's Comments
Chief Supt Adam Hays stated: 'Over 4,000 people gathered today to protest in Brighton City Centre. We understand that there was some disruption because of this, however we had a large policing presence and worked with partners to keep everyone safe. Public order policing is complex, and while we understand this can be frustrating, we balance the rights of all protest groups and the wider community. We have made a number of arrests today ranging from public order offences to assaults on emergency workers.'
Details of All Eight Arrests
- A 58-year-old man from Ditchling was arrested on suspicion of using threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and possessing a Class B drug. He has been conditionally bailed until July 13.
- A 23-year-old woman from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of possessing a pyrotechnic article and to prevent a breach of the peace. This has been referred for an out-of-court disposal.
- A 34-year-old woman from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker. She has been conditionally bailed until July 8.
- A 53-year-old man from Portslade was arrested on suspicion of common assault. Following enquiries, he has been released without charge.
- A 44-year-old man from Worcestershire was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He has been conditionally bailed until July 14.
- A 22-year-old from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty. He has been bailed until August 13.
- A 41-year-old man from Hove was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace. He was released a short time later without charge.
- A 61-year-old woman from Hove was arrested on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment/alarm/distress. She has been conditionally bailed until July 31.
