A 42-year-old man has become the first of a “number” of people expected to be arrested as part of an investigation into violent disorder at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth last Sunday.
Hampshire Police said the man from Paulsgrove was arrested on Friday morning on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. He remains in custody.
Protest at Eastney Marina
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Eastney Marina on Sunday night after a number of people arrived in a small boat that had crossed the English Channel. Official vehicles were damaged and a small number of police officers were injured at the scene, Hampshire Police said. Around 200 people were dispersed at around 4am on Monday.
Police warning over further arrests
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said on Friday: “This arrest is the first of what we fully anticipate to be a number of arrests as we identify those responsible for any assaults to officers, criminal damage to vehicles, or other criminal offences committed on Sunday evening.”
He said the events on Sunday evening were not a peaceful protest and instead amounted to “violent public disorder”, adding that “violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest” and police will take “robust action against those responsible”.
He added: “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.”
“This arrest also sends 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.”
