Numerous arrests made at anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth
- A 76-year-old man from Southampton was arrested in Portsmouth on suspicion of using an item to conceal his identity during an anti-immigration protest on Saturday afternoon.
- Police enforced powers under the Crime and Policing Act to restrict face coverings following previous demonstrations in Portsmouth and Dover that involved masked individuals and violent disorder.
- A total of three people were detained during the counter-demonstrations, including a 33-year-old man arrested for obstructing a highway and a 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones confirmed the protests were largely peaceful, with hundreds of participants complying with the strict restrictions requiring their faces to be uncovered.
- PCC Donna Jones stated that powers regarding face coverings were implemented equally and impartially across all protesters to prevent scenes of disorder and protect the local community.
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