Key facts
- Police used batons and pepper spray to control an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth.
- Hundreds of masked protesters clashed with police, resulting in injured officers and damaged vehicles.
- The protest followed the arrival of approximately 120 asylum seekers in a small boat.
- Far-right agitator Daniel Thomas claimed to have organized the demonstration.
- Authorities are investigating potential assaults and criminal damage.
- Ministers are considering a ban on face coverings at future protests.
Police in Portsmouth are searching for suspects following an anti-migrant protest that turned violent on Sunday evening. Hundreds of masked, black-clad individuals, described as vigilantes, clashed with officers after a dinghy carrying approximately 120 asylum seekers reached the UK from Normandy. Authorities deployed batons and pepper spray to disperse the crowd, with reports of officers being pushed off motorbikes and pelted with bricks.
Home Office minister Sarah Jones condemned the groups responsible for the disorder, labeling their actions as promoting "racism and thuggery" and stating officers faced organized aggression. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary has launched an investigation into potential assaults and criminal damage. One of the injured officers was a rookie who had only recently completed training.
Daniel Thomas, a far-right agitator associated with Tommy Robinson, claimed to have arranged the protest, which followed a similar disruption in Dover on Saturday. Concerns have been raised about people smugglers potentially targeting new routes along England's south coast. Protesters were heard chanting "send them back" as police attempted to maintain order.
Questions have been raised by Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs regarding the police's preparedness and the intelligence gathered prior to the events in Dover and Portsmouth. Ministers are reportedly considering a ban on face coverings at future anti-migrant demonstrations. The Hampshire police and crime commissioner warned that the south coast is not adequately prepared for migrant arrivals, and authorities are learning lessons from the weekend's events.