Portsmouth anti-migrant protest: police hunt six men after officers injured
Seven officers were injured during disorder at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth on 6 September. Hampshire Police have released images of six men sought in connection with the violence.
Six men sought after violent disorder at Portsmouth protest
Hampshire Police have released photographs of six men they wish to question following violent disorder at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth, The Independent reports.
Around 200 people gathered at Eastney Marina on Sunday 6 September after a small boat carrying asylum seekers crossed the Channel and arrived in the area. Seven police officers sustained injuries and were treated at the scene; no members of the public were seriously hurt.
The force said it has since reviewed hundreds of hours of footage from multiple sources to identify those responsible for offences committed during the disorder. Images of six individuals believed capable of assisting the investigation have now been made public.
Assistant chief constable Tony Rowlinson appealed for anyone who recognises the men to contact police.
"We have been consistently clear that violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest and we will investigate incidents like this thoroughly and take robust action against those responsible," Rowlinson said.
He described the events of Sunday evening as "violent public disorder" rather than peaceful protest, adding: "This will not be tolerated as we work to keep our wider communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight safe."
Rowlinson also addressed the injuries sustained by officers. "Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area," he said. He added that officers and partner agency staff should not be "singled out online or subjected to abuse via social media", and said the force would work with policing colleagues to address any online threats.
"The actions we have been taking as part of our investigation send a clear warning to anyone intent on causing disruption and disorder at any future events. If you break the law we will take action against you," Rowlinson said.
A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove was charged on Friday in connection with the incident. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday and subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
Tensions in Portsmouth have continued beyond the marina incident. On Saturday, anti-immigration protesters clashed with anti-racism demonstrators in the city centre, with officers forming a line to keep the two groups apart as they gathered on opposite sides of Guildhall Square.
A Section 60AA order was put in place during that march, granting officers the power to require protesters to remove masks, face coverings, or other items used to conceal identity. A 76-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of wearing an item to conceal his identity. A 33-year-old man from Portsmouth was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway and criminal damage after a police van was allegedly targeted.
Anyone who recognises the six men pictured, or holds information relevant to the investigation, is asked to call 101 or report online, quoting reference 44260435943. Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers.
Source: The Independent