The incidents in Bristol that police need help investigating

Numerous crimes across Bristol are investigated every day, but sometimes the suspect is hard to track down. In many instances, police are able to find CCTV footage of people in the area where the crime took place. This means they are able to release the images to the public in the hope that the individuals can be identified, in case they have any information that might help the investigation.

Avon and Somerset Police has shared information and photos in connection with a number of reported offences in the area. Some appeals have since been removed after members of the public helped with identification, but several remain live on the force's appeals[1] list. Can you help officers identify those in the pictures below or were you simply in the area when the reported crime happened?

Police officers are looking for a wanted man, seeking information about racial abuse at a football game and witnesses to two crashes. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police by calling 101 and quoting the relevant crime reference. The CCTV images relating to each investigation can be viewed below along with their crime reference number and when the alleged offence took place or how to report similar incidents.

Police tell public to 'not approach' wanted man with links to Bristol and South Gloucestershire

A man wanted by police has led to an urgent "do not approach" warning to be issued by officers. Avon and Somerset Police[4] has issued an appeal to locate Karl Patterson.

The 32-year-old is wanted on recall to prison and in connection with a number of theft offences[5], the force says. Anyone who knows of Patterson's whereabouts or who sees him has been told to stay away from him and to call 999 immediately, quoting reference 5223293764. He is described as being 6ft tall, of skinny build, with blue eyes, dark greying hair and unkempt facial hair.

It is believed his hair is kept in a top-knot style. Police said he is known to frequent the areas of Horfield[6], Lockleaze[7], Filton[8] and Stoke Gifford[9].

Man arrested after Ford Fiesta smashes into BMW in Warmley

A man has been arrested following a car crash which saw a Ford Fiesta collide into a parked BMW near a petrol station. The incident happened at the Deanery Road Roundabout in Warmley[10] at around 6.25am on Tuesday (December 12).

According to Avon and Somerset Police[11], the driver of the BMW had pulled up near the petrol station on the A420 and got out of the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the Fiesta[12] smashed into the BMW. Officers arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs[13].

He has been released on bail and an appeal for witnesses has been issued. A police statement said: "We're investigating a collision near Warmley for which a man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. At about 6.25am on Tuesday (December 12), a collision involving two cars happened at the Deanery Road roundabout, where the A420 meets the A4174.

"The driver of one of the vehicles involved, a BMW, pulled up near a petrol station and got out of the car. The driver of the second vehicle, a Fiesta, then collided with the parked BMW, causing damage. "A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

He's been released on bail so further enquiries can be carried out. "We're appealing for anyone who saw either collision, or who may have relevant dashcam or other footage, to contact us. If you can help, please call 101[14] and give the call handler the reference number Niche 5223302729, or complete our online appeals form[15]."

Bristol Rovers player 'racially abused' during game against Cheltenham Town

A Bristol Rovers[16] player was reportedly racially abused during a match.

The alleged incident took place during Rovers' home League One game with Cheltenham Town on December 9. The matter was reported to police by a steward during the second half of the match. Avon and Somerset Police[17] have since confirmed that two men, who were sat with the away fans on The Memorial Stadium's East Terrace, were removed from the ground. Investigating officers are now appealing for information on what happened.

They are urging anyone who saw or heard anything to get in touch. Force football officer PC Mark Neal said: "There is no place in society for racial abuse or discrimination. We are treating the incident as a hate crime and we'll work with both clubs to fully investigate what happened.

"The player was spoken to by an officer immediately after Saturday's game. We have also notified the Professional Footballers' Association too. We'd ask anyone with information about what was said or who was responsible to please come forward."

Avon and Somerset Police added: "Anyone who saw or heard anything which could help is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223300697. If you can help, please call 101[18] and give the call handler the reference number 5223300697, or complete our online appeals form[19]. "You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111[20] or via their Anonymous Online Form[21].

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers."

Cannabis discovered inside property

Cannabis estimated to have an approximate street value of GBP50,000 was discovered in a property in Bristol. Bristol Neighbourhood Policing says the Southmead[22] Team 4 Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a drugs warrant at a premise in the Eastgate area. Officers discovered a number of cannabis plants being grown which have now been seized.

A spokesman for Bristol Neighbourhood Policing said: "Drug offences cause harm in local communities and can often lead to, or be linked to, other crimes. If you suspect someone is using, dealing or growing drugs in your neighbourhood, you can report it to us online[23]." Alternatively, you can contact police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous online form[24].

Every piece of intelligence we receive helps us to build up a picture of what is going on, and will be fed into our patrol plans and targeted days of action to remove illegal drugs from our communities.

Cyclist hurt in crash

A cyclist was taken to hospital following a collision with a vehicle on December 11. The crash happened at about 10.20pm on the A432 Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol, between its junctions with Sandy Lane and Berkeley Street. The injured man, who is in his 20s, was riding an electrically assisted bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a Nissan Note travelling in the opposite direction.

Avon and Somerset Police say he remains in hospital with injuries not currently believed to be life-threatening. There were no reported injuries to the car driver. Anyone who saw either vehicle in the moments beforehand, witnessed the collision, or have any dashcam, CCTV or other footage are advised to call 101 and quote reference number 5223302600.

Police issue stark warning after 61 arrests

Officers have arrested more than 60 drunk or drugged-up drivers this week.

Police have now issued a stark warning to other revellers considering drinking and driving. Avon and Somerset Police's[25] annual festive crackdown has seen the force arrest 61 motorists. Officers will be patrolling roads in and around Bristol once again this weekend.

A police spokesperson said: "We've made 61 arrests during the first week of our winter anti drink/drug drive operation. Our officers will be out again this weekend, working hard to keep our roads safe." Inspector Rob Barker, Roads Policing lead at Avon and Somerset Police said: "My message to the public this Christmas is simple.

If you know someone that regularly drinks or takes drugs and gets behind the wheel, then your action- or inaction - could make a real difference to the wellbeing of other road users. "Your report could prevent serious consequences by helping us take a dangerous and irresponsible driver off the road before they can cause harm. During December, we'll be actively targeting motorists who pose a risk to others by choosing to drink and drug drive, as well as carrying out proactive stop checks at key roadside locations both day and night."

Anyone who spots someone under the influence of drink/drugs while behind the wheel can report it here[26].

References

1. ^ appeals (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
2. ^ Family fearing for their lives on Bristol road with fly tipping, death threats, drug taking, rats (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ Farmer who dragged dog behind his car declares 'I'll do want I want' with my pet (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
5. ^ recall to prison and in connection with a number of theft offences (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
6. ^ Horfield (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
7. ^ Lockleaze (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
8. ^ Filton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
9. ^ Stoke Gifford (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
10. ^ Warmley (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
11. ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
12. ^ Fiesta (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
13. ^ dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
14. ^ 101 (tel)
15. ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
16. ^ Bristol Rovers (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
17. ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
18. ^ 101 (tel)
19. ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
20. ^ 0800 555 111 (https)
21. ^ Anonymous Online Form (crimestoppers-uk.org)
22. ^ Southmead (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
23. ^ you can report it to us online (orlo.uk)
24. ^ via their Anonymous online form (crimestoppers-uk.org)
25. ^ Avon and Somerset Police's (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
26. ^ here (orlo.uk)