Police have released photos of six men they’d like to speak to after disorder at an anti-migrant protest last weekend.
A crowd of approximately 200 people gathered at Eastney Marina in Portsmouth on Sunday 6 September following the arrival of a small boat carrying asylum seekers across the Channel.
Seven officers were treated at the scene for injuries, but no members of the public were seriously injured.
Hampshire Police said the force has since reviewed hundreds of hours of footage from different sources to identify the offences committed. Officers have now released images of six people who they believe are able to assist with the investigation.
Assistant chief constable Tony Rowlinson urged anyone who recognises the six men to get in touch with the police.
“We have been consistently clear that violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest and we will investigate incidents like this thoroughly and take robust action against those responsible,” he said.
“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.
“I’d urge anyone who recognises the six men pictured to contact us.
“The reality of public order policing is that arrests at the time are not always possible, especially where evidence may need to be reviewed to clearly identify who is responsible for offences.
“During the disorder, seven police officers were injured and treated at the scene; thankfully no one was seriously injured. Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.
“Neither do they, or anyone from our partner agencies, deserve to be singled out online or subjected to abuse via social media. We will work with our colleagues across policing to address any online threats that are made.
“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. If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so, seek a prosecution.”
A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove was charged on Friday in connection with this incident, and a 16-year-old boy was also arrested on Saturday and has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Tensions have continued to rise over asylum seekers in Portsmouth as anti-immigration protesters clashed with anti-racism demonstrators in the city centre on Saturday. Police were forced to form a line to keep the groups apart as they took to opposite sides of Guildhall Square and shouted at each other.
A Section 60AA order was put in place during the march, giving officers the power to require protesters to remove masks, face coverings, or any other items used to conceal their identity.
A 76-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of wearing or using an item to conceal his identity at a protest. A 33-year-old man from Portsmouth was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway and criminal damage after a police van was allegedly targeted.
Police asked anyone who recognises the six men pictured in relation to last weekend, or has information to assist with their enquiries, to call 101 or report online, quoting reference 44260435943. They can also report via Crimestoppers anonymously.
