Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters gathered in Portsmouth on Saturday, with police issuing warnings against covering faces and signaling intent to make further arrests. The demonstration follows similar protests by right-wing groups in recent weeks.

Hampshire Police stated that powers under the Crime and Policing Act would be used to arrest anyone attending the protest while wearing a face covering intended to conceal their identity. Demonstrators convened at All Saints Church before marching towards Guildhall Square. Chants of "stop the boats" were heard, with speakers addressing the protest against "illegal men invading the shores."

Earlier on Saturday, Hampshire Police issued a statement emphasizing their support for peaceful and lawful expression while vowing not to tolerate actions aimed at creating fear or inciting violence. Organizers, including Portsmouth Patriots, were allocated a specific gathering point near All Saints Church and instructed to follow a designated route.

A counter-demonstration organized by Stand Up To Racism also took place in a nearby car park, featuring signs such as "RN";The demonstration follows several protests by Right-wing groups since last weekend, after several hundred men dressed in black and wearing balaclavas blocked access to the port of Dover. IMAGE6

Del Leon Somerville, 42, has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in relation to a protest in Portsmouth the previous Sunday. Somerville appeared in court and faces charges of violent disorder between September 5 and 8, and assaulting a constable on September 11. He was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met with police officials to ensure readiness in addressing far-right groups seeking to intimidate communities. She noted that the masked and balaclava-clad individuals seen at previous events created a "fear factor" and conveyed "obvious malign intent."

Last Sunday night, approximately 200 individuals gathered at Eastney Marina after a dinghy arrived across the English Channel, reportedly to prevent migrants from boarding coaches. Official vehicles were damaged, and some police officers sustained injuries during that incident. In Dover, masked individuals blocked road access to the port on the preceding Saturday, an event widely condemned by politicians. IMAGE3