Three arrested as Portsmouth anti-immigration protests return

Three people were arrested in Portsmouth as far-right activists held a second weekend of protests against small boat crossings, The Guardian reported. The demonstration followed the interception of a small boat carrying 140 people seeking asylum near the city last Sunday.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary imposed conditions on the protests and warned that arrests could follow breaches or attempts to incite fear or violence. Police also warned that people wearing face coverings could be detained under powers in the Crime and Policing Act.

The arrests involved a 76-year-old man from Southampton, held on suspicion of concealing his identity; a 33-year-old Portsmouth man, held on suspicion of obstructing a highway; and a 16-year-old Portsmouth boy, held on suspicion of violent disorder linked to scenes the previous Sunday.

Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said the protest was peaceful apart from the actions of a few people and did not repeat earlier reports of assaults on police officers or damage to vehicles and property. She said face-covering powers had been applied equally and should be used proportionately in future.

Counter-protesters gathered separately in Portsmouth, with the anti-immigration march proceeding to Guildhall Square and the opposing demonstration following later along the same route. Hundreds also attended an anti-immigration rally and counter-protest in Glasgow, where groups were kept apart by police.

Del Leon Somerville, 42, appeared before Portsmouth magistrates charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable over the previous weekend’s demonstration. Small boat crossings were reported to be down by more than 40 per cent compared with the same period last year, although police and officials have warned that changing launch points may be making crossings more dangerous.