Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released images of six men they wish to speak to following a violent anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth last weekend. The incident, which occurred overnight last Sunday at Eastney Marina, saw approximately 200 people gather after a dinghy crossed the English Channel.
Investigation into Disorder
Seven police officers sustained injuries and received treatment at the scene, while vehicles belonging to the Coastguard and Border Force were damaged. The constabulary stated that hundreds of hours of footage have been reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. "Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder, and this will not be tolerated as we work to keep our wider communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight safe," said Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson.
Rowlinson urged anyone who recognizes the men to contact the police by calling 101 or reporting online, quoting reference 44260435943. He noted that arrests at the time of public disorder are not always feasible, emphasizing the need to review evidence to identify responsible parties. "Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area," he added.
Arrests and Charges
One individual, Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. He appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning. Additionally, a 16-year-old boy from Waterlooville was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to last week's events and has been released on bail until December 12.
Further arrests were made during a subsequent anti-immigration protest on Saturday afternoon, where protesters faced off with anti-racism demonstrators. Three arrests were made, including a 76-year-old man from Southampton arrested on suspicion of wearing a face covering in violation of a protest ban. Timothy Miller, 76, of Hedge End, Southampton, has been charged with wearing or using an item to conceal identity at a protest and is due to appear in court on Monday, September 14. A 33-year-old man from Portsmouth, David McNally, was charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and attempted criminal damage, with a court date set for October 29.
Events Leading to Protest
The protest followed the arrival of a dinghy carrying approximately 140 asylum seekers, who were escorted to shore by British lifeboats, a Coastguard vessel, and supported by a helicopter and plane. The dinghy had departed from Normandy, suggesting expanded launch points by people smugglers. The French coastguard reportedly shadowed the vessel for ten hours before British assets took over.
Dozens of anti-migrant protesters entered the water to confront the asylum seekers, chanting slogans such as 'stop the boats.' Riot police dispersed the demonstrators at 3 a.m., and footage showed migrants being transferred to buses destined for a processing center in Kent. This event reportedly triggered a larger demonstration where around 500 protesters blocked roads to impede the coaches' departure.
The incident in Portsmouth is the second major anti-migrant protest in recent weeks, following a similar blockade at the Port of Dover the previous Saturday by men wearing balaclavas. Police had banned face coverings for the Portsmouth demonstration on September 12 after the masked men blocked roads in Dover. "The actions we have been taking as part of our investigation send a clear warning to anyone intent on causing disruption and disorder at any future events," Rowlinson stated.