Police have released images of six men they wish to speak to in connection with a violent anti-immigration protest that occurred in Portsmouth last weekend. The demonstration, which began after a dinghy carrying approximately 140 asylum seekers crossed the English Channel, led to injuries among police officers and damage to official vehicles.
Around 200 individuals gathered at Eastney Marina on Sunday evening, with the protest continuing until early Monday morning. Seven police officers sustained injuries requiring treatment at the scene, and vehicles belonging to the Coastguard and Border Force were damaged, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
The force stated that hundreds of hours of footage have been reviewed, leading to the identification of six men who can assist the investigation. Police are urging anyone who recognizes these individuals to contact them by calling 101 or reporting online, referencing case number 44260435943.
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson emphasized that violence and criminal damage are unacceptable during protests. "Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder, and this will not be tolerated," Rowlinson said. He noted that arrests are not always immediately possible, especially when evidence requires thorough review to identify those responsible.
In connection with the events, Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Saturday, charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder related to the protest and has been released on bail. On Saturday afternoon, a separate anti-immigration demonstration took place in Portsmouth, where protesters clashed with anti-racism demonstrators.
This incident follows a pattern of anti-migrant protests. Last Saturday, masked individuals blockaded the Port of Dover. Following the arrival of the dinghy in Portsmouth, dozens of protesters entered the water to confront the asylum seekers before being dispersed by riot police. The migrants were then transported to a processing center in Kent, an action that led to further demonstrations where protesters attempted to block the road for the coaches.
Authorities had banned face coverings for the Saturday protest in Portsmouth after previous events in Dover. Three arrests were made during that demonstration, including a 76-year-old man charged with concealing his identity, a 33-year-old man charged with obstructing a highway and attempted criminal damage, and the 16-year-old initially arrested for violent disorder.
Officials have indicated that the actions taken in this investigation serve as a warning to those intending to cause disruption at future events. "If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so seek a prosecution," the constabulary stated.
The dinghy, which departed from Baie de Seine in Normandy, highlights an apparent expansion of launch points used by people smugglers to evade enforcement efforts. The French coastguard shadowed the vessel for several hours, citing safety concerns due to the number of people on board, before British lifeboats and a helicopter took over to escort the migrants to the UK.
Police had imposed a dispersal order, threatening arrests after protesters spent hours on Eastney beach and in the water.
