More than a dozen people have been arrested after the violence, which started as a peaceful protest against a branch of Tesco Metro. This was the second riot in the area within a week.
Both police and demonstrators were left injured after the rioting in the Stokes Croft area. Running skirmishes spilled out towards the Cabot Circus shopping centre.
Eyewitnesses said the disturbances began at about 1am, after a peaceful event earlier in the evening. Avon and Somerset Police said officers moved in to “contain a group of protesters” who were wearing masks and throwing bottles.
Police said around 400 people were involved, and rioters broke down residential walls and removed roof tiles to use as missiles.
They also lit fires, set up barricades in the road and daubed graffiti throughout the area.
Several officers suffered head, neck, back and leg injuries, and required hospital treatment after being pelted with bottles, rocks and other missiles, police said
A total of 15 people were arrested and more arrests were expected.
However, the tactics used by police have been condemned by protesters.
Richard Ayres, 39, told the BBC: “I received three blows to my legs and a blow to my head for which I have received hospital treatment.”
“We were knocked to the side by them and were then shoved back by riot police with helmets, shields, truncheons and dogs,” he said.
Police said neighbourhood officers were “actively engaging” with what was a peaceful gathering earlier in the evening outside the squat known as the Telepathic Heights, but support was called in after a number of people became violent.
Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “Unfortunately a number of people attended this event to incite violence and cause criminal damage.
“Throughout the week our neighbourhood officers have received the message from local residents and businesses that they do not want any further disruption.
“There was further evidence of this earlier this evening during the build-up to the trouble.
Rick Palmer, service director at Bristol City Council, said: “What we have seen tonight is totally unacceptable behaviour which is clearly not supported by local people.”
Last night’s skirmishes happened six days after a riot in same area when about 160 officers in riot gear swooped on a house to arrest four people they said were “a real threat to the local community”.
The crowd dug up cobbles from the road surface to throw at the police and a branch of Tesco Metro, which has been subject of a campaign to prevent its recent opening, was petrol-bombed.
The retail giant condemned today’s trouble and said the violence showed it was not an anti-Tesco campaign.
A spokesman said: “It is very sad that a number of individuals have once again turned against the police and the local community.
“Last night’s violence in Stokes Croft and beyond underlined that this is not an anti-Tesco protest, our store is not even open.”