Hampshire police are seeking six men in connection with disorder that occurred during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth on September 6. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Eastney Marina, blocking roads in an attempt to prevent coaches carrying 120 migrants from departing the city. The migrants had arrived in a dinghy after crossing the English Channel.
During the incident, several police, coastguard, and Border Force vehicles sustained damage. Seven police officers received treatment at the scene for injuries, though no attendees were seriously harmed. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson appealed to the public for information, urging anyone who recognized the individuals in the released images to contact the authorities.
Authorities have made arrests in connection with the events. On Friday, a 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove was charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer. He has been remanded into custody. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of involvement in the disorder and has been released on bail pending further investigation.
On the day of the protest, approximately 500 anti-migrant demonstrators participated. They were met by hundreds of counter-protesters organized by the group Stand up to Racism.