Police release pictures of six men they want to speak to after violent anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released images of six men it wants to speak to as part of its investigation into a violent anti-immigration protest at Eastney Marina, Portsmouth. Around 200 people gathered overnight last Sunday following the arrival of a dinghy carrying asylum seekers across the English Channel, with disorder continuing until riot police dispersed the crowd at 3am on Monday. The incident matters because it left seven officers injured, caused damage to Coastguard and Border Force vehicles, and has been followed by further clashes between anti-immigration and anti-racism demonstrators in the city.
Police said hundreds of hours of footage had been reviewed to identify the six men, and are asking anyone who recognises them to call 101 or report online quoting reference 44260435943. Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, has already appeared in court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer, while a 16-year-old boy from Waterlooville has been arrested and bailed until 12 December. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said the events were "violent public disorder" rather than peaceful protest and warned that anyone breaking the law would face prosecution, while also condemning online abuse directed at officers and partner agencies.
- Police seek six men over violent Portsmouth anti-immigration protest.
- Seven officers hurt; Coastguard and Border Force vehicles damaged.
- One man charged, teenager bailed; more clashes followed at the weekend.
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Following the arrival of a small boat carrying asylum seekers across the English Channel, a crowd of around 200 people gathered overnight near Eastney Marina in Portsmouth in protest. What began as a demonstration turned violent, with disorder continuing into the early hours until riot police stepped in to clear the area. Seven police officers were hurt and vehicles belonging to the Coastguard and Border Force were damaged during the unrest.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has been investigating the disorder since, reviewing extensive CCTV and video footage to identify people involved. One man has already been charged and appeared in court, and a teenager has been arrested and released on bail, while the force continues to appeal for the public's help in tracing others it wants to speak to.
The episode matters because it reflects wider tensions in Portsmouth and beyond over small boat crossings and immigration, with anti-immigration and anti-racism groups holding further, separate demonstrations in the city since. Police have been keen to stress that they view what happened as violent disorder rather than legitimate protest, distinguishing the criminal acts of some from the right to demonstrate peacefully.