Anti-immigration protestors in Portsmouth mistakenly demonstrated outside a hotel where they believed asylum seekers were being housed, only to discover the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team was staying there. Approximately 40 to 50 demonstrators gathered outside the four-star Marriott hotel in the Cosham suburb on Tuesday evening after a local social media post wrongly suggested that "four coach loads" of migrants were being brought to the hotel.
This incident occurred days after around 120 migrants were brought ashore nearby, leading to a larger protest of approximately 500 individuals outside Eastney Landing on Sunday night. The Sunday protest involved black-shirted individuals wearing balaclavas, and police reported that several officers sustained injuries.
Councillor George Madgwick, the Reform UK Group Leader on Hampshire County Council, confirmed that protestors had received reports about migrants being at the hotel. He intervened by speaking with the hotel manager, who clarified that the guests were members of the Pakistan Under-19 men's cricket team and support staff. The team is currently on tour playing against England Under-19s and has been based at the Marriott while playing matches in Arundel, West Sussex.
Madhgwick spoke to the crowd gathered outside the hotel and confirmed the situation, assuring them it was a cricket team. He stated the crowd dispersed peacefully within five minutes after accepting the explanation. Madgwick commented that while he was glad to have de-escalated the situation, the government needs to address the root causes of such public concern regarding immigration.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has reportedly contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board to inquire about the team's well-being and is reviewing security arrangements for the remainder of the tour. The incident occurred just before the third Test match between England and Pakistan began in Birmingham.
Separately, police maintained a presence outside the RNLI's Eastney base due to reports of the charity being targeted for its role in rescuing the 120 migrants. The RNLI reported that some of its volunteers have faced physical and online abuse. RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes condemned the actions of those engaging in abuse, citing misinformation and misunderstandings about the organization's lifesaving work. Reports also indicated that RNLI lifeboats were previously denied entry to Southampton Port and Portsmouth Harbour and threatened with legal action.
Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Boon stated that the protests had caused "some serious problems" and that a number of officers were treated for injuries. He added that police would pursue identification and prosecution of those involved.