Police dispersed more than 200 protesters in Portsmouth after a migrant landing.
Why it matters: The disorder is a test for how police and local authorities handle protests around Channel arrivals. It also puts pressure on ministers over where people are landed and how quickly forces can respond.
- Police used batons and PAVA pepper spray on Sunday to disperse more than 200 protesters near Eastney Marina in Portsmouth.
- The crowd tried to block coaches carrying migrants who had been brought ashore after a small-boat crossing from Normandy.
- Home Office minister Sarah Jones said Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, backed by nearby forces, issued a dispersal notice.
- Police said a number of vehicles were damaged and a small number of officers were treated for injuries, but no one was seriously hurt.
Police in Portsmouth used batons and PAVA pepper spray on Sunday to disperse more than 200 protesters near Eastney Marina after a migrant landing, according to a government statement on the disorder. The crowd was trying to block coaches carrying migrants who had been brought ashore after a small-boat crossing from Normandy. Read the government account at GOV.UK.
Home Office minister Sarah Jones told Parliament on Monday that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, supported by neighboring forces, issued a dispersal notice and used force "in the face of some aggression." Jones said no arrests were made on the night, though investigations were continuing.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged and officers were treated for injuries. The force said no officers, agency staff or members of the public were seriously injured. Sky News reported the force is investigating possible assaults and criminal damage here.
The Portsmouth protest followed a similar anti-migrant demonstration in Dover on Saturday. AP reported the protests have also been linked to Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, whom outlets describe as an anti-immigrant activist associated with Tommy Robinson here.
Local officials criticized the decision to land migrants in Portsmouth. City council leader Steve Pitt said the Home Office had "serious questions to answer" after what he called an unsuitable location was chosen. Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones said Portsmouth was not equipped to receive and process people arriving this way and urged stronger protection for the southern coast.
The Home Office separately condemned the protest as "intimidating and thuggish behaviour."
By the numbers
- 200-plus - protesters police dispersed near Eastney Marina
- 0 - arrests made on the night, according to Sarah Jones
- No serious injuries - police said no officers, staff or members of the public were seriously hurt
Yes, but: The reporting does not show that Daniel Thomas organized the Portsmouth protest; it only says multiple outlets have linked him to the protests.
What's next: Police said investigations are continuing, including into possible assaults and criminal damage.