Police chiefs have stepped up preparations ahead of planned anti-migrant protests this weekend after the Home Secretary warned demonstrators are using tactics designed to intimidate communities.
Shabana Mahmood called for stronger police action following incidents involving anti-migration protesters and groups such as Patriot Platform in Dover and Portsmouth last weekend.
Police urged to use powers on face coverings
During a meeting with senior officers on Thursday, she said police should make full use of their powers to prevent protesters from concealing their identities.
Masked men blocked road access to the Port of Dover on Saturday, while official vehicles were damaged and several police officers were injured during a stand-off with protesters in Portsmouth overnight on Sunday. No arrests have been made in connection with either incident.
Government view on Dover protest
It is understood the Government believes protesters wearing face coverings in Dover could have been arrested. Senior officers have powers to designate areas where concealing a person's identity becomes an offence, but this was not done during the demonstration.
Fresh protests are expected this weekend, with a group called "Portsmouth patriots" planning to march in the city on Saturday. A counter-demonstration is also due to take place.
Home Secretary's message to police chiefs
Ms Mahmood told police chiefs: "These scenes have caused disruption for people and, given that people are dressed in black wearing balaclavas, there is a fear factor and obvious malign intent being communicated to our residents."
"This makes it different from other protests, so we need to make sure we are learning lessons."
Chief officers said they were prepared to act quickly against "far-right groups" if necessary. The Home Office said police had established an "enhanced and co-ordinated approach to intelligence gathering and operational planning… laying the groundwork for a more proactive response should it be needed".
The warning follows protests organised by anti-migration group Patriot Platform, whose founder Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, organised the Dover demonstration and was a leader of the Portsmouth protest.
Meanwhile, RNLI volunteers and staff have been advised not to wear the charity's branding after facing what it described as "unacceptable abuse" from anti-migrant protesters. The charity has issued security advice after being targeted over its work rescuing people crossing the Channel in small boats.
