Police searching for six men over anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth

A collage of six men top left is a brown haired man in a white t-shirt, top middle is a bald man in a grey hoodie, top right is a brown haired man in a white and blue tracksuit top, bottom left is a brown haired and bearded man in a white polo t-shirt, bottom middle is a blonde haired man in a white t-shirt and bottom right is a brown haired man in a green/ grey tracksuit top. — Image caption,

Hampshire police want to speak to six men in relation to a protest in Portsmouth

ByCurtis LancasterSouth of England

Police have released images of six men they want to speak to in connection with an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth.

Hampshire police attended Eastney Marina on 6 September after hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants, who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy, from leaving the city.

The force said several police, coastguard and Border Force vehicles had been damaged during the evening. Seven officers were treated at the scene for injuries, but no-one in attendance was seriously hurt.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson urged anyone who recognised the six men to contact police.

On Friday, a 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove was charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer in connection with the incident. He has been remanded into custody.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday in connection with the disorder. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Around 500 anti-migrant protesters took to the streets of Portsmouth on Saturday and were met by hundreds of counter-protesters from Stand up to Racism.