Police refute viral Bridgwater disorder video as 2022 incident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 18:15 · Archive

Avon and Somerset Police have debunked a widely shared video that was falsely claimed to show recent harassment in Bridgwater, confirming it actually dates from May 2022.

A video of people gathered outside a Bridgwater house has circulated widely on social media with false claims about recent harassment. The clip shows dozens of people in the street, with someone throwing something at a window and shouting up at the building. Police attended and spoke to those present. The video attracted more than 2,000 shares on some posts, with commenters making racist remarks about those depicted and blaming immigration or HMO housing.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on November 4 that the video dates from May 2022 and relates to an unrelated incident. It shows the aftermath of disorder that began when an intoxicated man mistakenly entered the wrong home on Devonshire Street. The Mayor of Bridgwater warned against creating 'unnecessary fear or division', and Councillor Leigh Redman said he had been in touch with police after constituents raised concerns about the video.

How it is being reported

• Police challenge false information as Bridgwater disorder video goes viralThe viral clip of Bridgwater disorder attracted anti-migrant misinformation online - but police say it's actually an unrelated incident from 2022.Bridgwater Mercury · 4 Nov, 17:03
• Misleading Bridgwater row footage refuted as 'false' by policeThe video, which has been shared more than 2,000 times, is from 2022SomersetLive · 4 Nov, 13:24

In this story: Avon and Somerset Police · Bridgwater · Bangladeshi community

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