Portsmouth anti-migrant protest: police seek six men after officers injured

Six men are being sought by police following violent disorder at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth. Seven officers were injured and Coastguard vehicles damaged.

Six men wanted over violent disorder at Portsmouth protest

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released images of six men it wishes to question following scenes of violent disorder at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth last weekend, the Daily Express reports.

Around 200 people assembled at Eastney Marina after a dinghy crossed the English Channel. The gathering turned violent: seven police officers were injured and treated at the scene, and vehicles belonging to Coastguard and Border Force were damaged.

Officers subsequently reviewed "hundreds of hours' worth" of footage before sharing images of six men "who can assist our investigation."

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said the force had been "consistently clear that violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest" and pledged to investigate thoroughly. "Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder, and this will not be tolerated as we work to keep our wider communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight safe," he said.

Rowlinson acknowledged that arrests at the scene are not always possible in public order situations where evidence must first be reviewed to identify those responsible. He added that officers "did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area."

The assistant chief constable also warned that online abuse directed at officers or partner agency staff would be addressed in co-operation with policing colleagues across the country. "We will work with our colleagues across policing to address any online threats that are made," he said.

He issued a direct warning to anyone planning to cause disruption at future events: "If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so seek a prosecution."

Anyone who recognises the men in the released images is urged to call 101 or submit a report online, quoting reference 44260435943.

Separately, the first man charged in connection with the demonstration appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning. Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, faced charges of violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.

Source: Daily Express