Six men sought after anti-migrant violence in Portsmouth left seven officers injured

Hampshire Police released images of six men wanted over violent disorder at Eastney Marina. Seven officers were injured when around 200 activists gathered after a Channel crossing.

Portsmouth disorder: police publish images of six men over Eastney Marina unrest

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released images of six men it wishes to question in connection with violent disorder in Portsmouth last week, The Guardian UK reports. Seven police officers were injured during the unrest, which broke out after a small boat carrying asylum seekers arrived on the south coast.

Around 200 anti-immigration activists gathered at Eastney Marina on Sunday evening following the Channel crossing. The crowd dispersed in the early hours of the following morning. During the disorder, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged and seven officers required treatment at the scene.

The force said it had reviewed "hundreds of hours' worth" of footage and identified six men it believes "can assist our investigation".

First charge and further arrest

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

A 16-year-old boy from Waterlooville was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to Sunday's events. He has been released on bail until 12 December.

On Saturday afternoon, anti-immigration activists returned to Portsmouth city streets, where counter-protests by anti-racism groups also took place.

'Not peaceful protest'

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said the scenes at Eastney Marina had gone well beyond lawful demonstration. "Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest," he said. "Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder."

Rowlinson said officers had worked to protect people in the area and warned that those responsible would be pursued after footage was reviewed. "The reality of public order policing is that arrests at the time are not always possible, especially where evidence may need to be reviewed to clearly identify who is responsible for offences," he said.

He confirmed that none of the seven injured officers had suffered serious harm, but added that they "did not deserve to be assaulted" while carrying out their duties.

Police also confirmed they are investigating online threats and abuse directed at officers and staff from partner agencies in the aftermath of the disorder.

Anyone who recognises the six men pictured is asked to contact police on 101 or report information online, quoting reference 44260435943. Rowlinson warned: "If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so seek a prosecution."

Source: The Guardian UK