Teenager arrested following hate crime incident in Bristol
Police say it happened on Sunday afternoon in the direction of an event being held by Bristol Pride
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
A teenager has been arrested by police as part of their investigations in to an incident in Castle Park on Sunday afternoon.
Earlier this week, the force said they were treating it as a hate crime incident, with gel pellets being fired in the direction of an event ran by Bristol Pride.
It happened at about 3pm on July 2nd, with officers speaking with event organisers and victims at the time, who said they were 'left shaken' by what happened.
Nobody has reported serious injuries.
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and is currently in police custody following the incident, and a pellet gun has also been recovered.
Neighbourhood policing Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: "This is a positive step in our ongoing investigation into an incident which we are treating as hate crime.
"No-one should be subjected to any form of abuse, hate, discrimination or prejudice because of how they choose to live their lives and we are taking this matter very seriously.
"Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate another male and anyone with any further information, or relevant footage, are encouraged to contact 101 and quote reference 5223157339."
In a statement sent to us earlier this week, a spokesperson from Bristol Pride said: "We are deeply saddened to hear that someone decided to fire BB pellets at those attending the Trans Pride picnic on Sunday afternoon.
"An event where people simply wanted to come together to enjoy a picnic together as a community.
"They were swiftly chased off and the Police are dealing with the matter as a hate crime. Whilst many may say they are shocked to hear this, it is a sad reality that the community is currently under attack and acts as a further reminder that online hate can enter everyday life. It highlights why we have Pride events and why we all must stand together in solidarity with the Trans community.
"The event was not disrupted further and went ahead to be an event filled with joy and togetherness."
In an update shared by Avon and Somerset Police on July 6th, the teenager has now been confirmed to have been released on conditional bail.
In a statement, they said: "We can confirm that the individual has been released on conditional bail with the following conditions:
"Not to go into Bristol City Centre between 7-9 July
"Not to possess any item capable of firing or discharging a shot."
If you are a victim of hate crime, you can report it on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
Alternatively, victims can report such incidents on the Report It website.
Read more: Police investigating hate crime incident in Bristol