Hampshire & Isle of Wight police have launched a manhunt to trace six men following a violent anti-migrant protest at Eastney Marina on Sunday, 6 September. The protest, which drew a crowd of 200 people, escalated into disorder that left seven police officers injured and caused damage to police, Coastguard, and Border Force vehicles. The crowd was finally dispersed at 4am, and no arrests were made at the scene.
Protesters attempted to block migrants at small port
The demonstration took place at the small port in Portsmouth, where protesters attempted to stop people from being loaded off a small boat that had crossed the English Channel. Protesters said they were trying to prevent the migrants from being taken to a processing centre in Kent. The crowd blockaded a coach carrying groups of people thought to have landed at the port.
During the action, several police, Coastguard, and Border Force vehicles were damaged. A number of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, none of them believed to be serious. Detectives have been scouring hundreds of hours’ worth of footage to identify any offences, with no arrests taking place on the night.
One man charged, teenager bailed in connection with protest
A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove has since been charged in connection with the protest. A 16-year-old male was arrested on Saturday in connection with this incident and has since been bailed. Police have released images of the six men they are seeking and are asking the public for information.
In a livestream, Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo – an associate of the right-wing activist Tommy Robinson – compared the action to a ‘call to help people stuck on the beaches of Dunkirk’. He then stood knee-deep in the sea as he encouraged people to bring boats to Portsmouth and form a blockade.
Police condemn violence and urge public to come forward
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. I’d urge anyone who recognises the six men pictured to contact us.
‘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. 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.’
Anyone who believes they may recognise the six men pictured, or who may have information, can call 101.
