LONDON - A clash between police officers and hundreds of rioters broke out in Bristol in Britain's west overnight, injuring eight officers and some protesters, local media reported.

The violence was sparked when about 160 police officers in full riot gear raided a house being used by squatters in the city to arrest a number of people they described as "a real threat to the local community".  Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: "The safety of the public is paramount in any situation of this kind and we took the decision to carry out a swift arrest operation, following intelligence received about the criminal intentions of those who were occupying the building."

Nine people were arrested after the riot was brought under control with the help of 66 officers from neighboring forces, the police said.

Witnesses said some people dug up cobbles from the road to throw at police and attacked a Tesco supermarket store.