Man, 76, arrested over face covering at Portsmouth anti-immigration protest
Crowds of anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters have gathered following a week of ongoing immigration demonstrations in the region
A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of concealing his identity at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth, after police warned demonstrators wearing face coverings risked arrest.
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A person clad in black scarves, which were tied across his face and head, was photographed in handcuffs on Saturday afternoon, as tensions between anti-migrant and anti-racism protesters in the city centre escalated.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary used powers under the Crime and Policing Act to restrict face coverings after masked men participated in anti-immigration protests in Portsmouth and Dover last weekend.
A total of two men and a teenage boy were arrested at the protests on Saturday, the force said.
The 76-year-old, from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of wearing or using an item to conceal identity at a protest.
A 33-year-old man, from Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway and a 16-year-old boy, also from Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to scenes last Sunday.
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This comes as protesters have gathered in Portsmouth on Saturday in a continuation of large anti-immigration demonstrations across the country and especially along England's south coast.
Reports from the scene include a man with a megaphone addressing the anti-migration protest with the crowd chanting “stop the boats,” Union flags, St George’s flags and a couple of other flags reading “Jesus is King”.
Counter-protesters appear to be holding signs that state: “Hate has no place in Pompey” and “Stop the far right”.
They are reported to be chanting: “Scapegoat migrants no way, blame the rich and make them pay.”
Both protest groups appear to be following the same route to Guildhall Square in Portsmouth.
It comes after hundreds of masked anti-immigration protesters amassed on the streets in Dover on September 5, clashing with police and delaying ship departures from the port.
Since that initial march, there have been ongoing demonstrations in the region targeted at small boat crossings.
Small boat crossings are currently at a seven-year low and have fallen by 57% from 2025.
No protestors in Portsmouth have been reported to be wearing masks. Hampshire police said that anyone taking part in protests wearing a face covering could be arrested ahead of the weekend.
A large police presence is in the Portsmouth area, prepared for potential clashes between the two groups.
Sarah Jones, Minister for Policing and Crime, addressed the House of Commons on September 7 on the ongoing protests in the region.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy. And it must be defended. But so too is the right of other citizens to go about their lives without undue interference,” said Jones.
“Let me therefore make clear to the House and to the country, that disorder of any kind will never be tolerated. And those who cross the line from peaceful protest into illegality will face the full force of the law.
“This government condemns the intimidating and thuggish behaviour shown by some of the protestors this weekend.
“We are working closely with the police in Kent and Hampshire, alongside the National Police Coordination Centre, all of whom have our full backing in taking every necessary step to uphold public safety and maintain the peace.”