British police are investigating incidents of violence and criminal damage that occurred during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth. The confrontation took place after approximately 120 migrants arrived by a single dinghy and were being transported from the Eastney Landing ferry port area.
Around 200 individuals, some masked, confronted officers in riot gear. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary reported that a handful of officers received treatment for minor injuries at the scene. Police vehicles were also reportedly damaged, with footage showing officers being pushed off motorbikes. A dispersal order was implemented, empowering police to arrest individuals who failed to comply with the directive.
Border Force confirmed that the migrants were transported out of Hampshire for processing in the early hours of Monday. The violence was described by Minister Sarah Jones as "intimidating and thuggish" in a statement to MPs.
An investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for assaults on officers, damage to vehicles, and other offenses. While no arrests have been made at this time, authorities are reviewing evidence to apprehend offenders. An associate of far-right activist Tommy Robinson was reportedly livestreaming from the scene and calling for his supporters to gather and impede the migrant transport.
Council leader Steve Pitt criticized the disruption caused by the protest, stating it led to "needless disruption."