Rival Protests in Portsmouth as Face Masks Banned
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Rival groups of protesters march through Portsmouth
A large police presence was visible in the city centre where anti-migrant protesters gathered, while rival demonstrators holding Stand up to Racism banners began their march shortly afterwards.
These events took place as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary implemented new powers allowing them to prevent individuals involved in protest activity from wearing face coverings that conceal their identity. The measures came into effect at 10:00 BST.
The city centre protests followed disorder on 6 September when police attended Eastney Marina as hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads, attempting to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy from leaving the city.
Both sets of demonstrators were kept apart by police upon reaching Guildhall Square.
Simon Magorian, of Stand up to Racism Portsmouth, described the earlier demonstrations in Eastney as a "horrible spectacle". He went on to state: "Portsmouth is actually a good functioning multicultural city."
Pete Davies, an anti-migration protester from Portsmouth, expressed his opinion that the migrants should be sent back to France.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo emphasised that these powers are "not being implemented to prevent protest but… to help prevent crime and disorder, while making communities feel safer."
Hampshire Police reported several damaged vehicles during the disruption.
