Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released images of six men it wants to speak to after violent scenes erupted in Portsmouth last weekend.
Around 200 people gathered in an anti-immigration protest at Eastney Marina overnight on Sunday after a dinghy arrived across the English Channel, before dispersing early on Monday. Seven police officers were injured and treated at the scene, while Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged, the force said.
Yesterday afternoon, anti-immigration protesters took to the streets of Portsmouth again, facing off with anti-racism demonstrators. Police have now reviewed “hundreds of hours’ worth” of footage and shared images of six men who could assist the investigation.
Officers injured during disorder
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: “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.
“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.”
He urged anyone who recognises the men to call 101 or make a report online quoting reference 44260435943.
Appeal for information
“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,” Mr Rowlinson said.
“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.”
Those already charged
The first man charged over last week’s demonstration in the city appeared in court on Saturday morning. Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.
Timothy Miller, 76, from Southampton, has been charged with concealing his identity at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth on Saturday. Police used powers under the Crime and Policing Act to restrict face coverings following anti-immigration protests featuring masked men in Portsmouth and Dover last weekend.
A 16-year-old boy, from Waterlooville, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to scenes last week and has been released on bail until December 12. David McNally, 33, of Portsmouth, has been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and attempted criminal damage.
