Police have released images of six men they want to speak to following violent disorder in Portsmouth last week, which resulted in seven officers being injured. The unrest occurred on Sunday night when about 200 people gathered at Eastney Marina after a small boat carrying asylum seekers arrived on the south coast, having crossed the English Channel. The activists dispersed the following day in the early hours. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that seven police officers were injured and treated at the scene, and vehicles from the Coastguard and Border Force were damaged. The police reviewed "hundreds of hours" of footage from the incident and released images of six men they believe could help their investigation.
The first person charged in connection with the demonstration appeared in court on Saturday morning. Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, appeared at the city's magistrates court, charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. A 16-year-old boy from Waterlooville was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder related to the events of last Sunday. He has been released on bail until 12 December.
Anti-immigration activists returned to the streets of Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon, where they faced counter-protests from anti-racism groups. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said the scenes at Eastney Marina had gone beyond peaceful protest. "Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest," he said. "Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder." Rowlinson added that officers had worked to protect people in the area and warned that police would pursue those responsible after reviewing footage.
He explained that arrests at the time of such events are not always possible, especially when evidence needs to be reviewed to clearly identify those responsible for offenses. Rowlinson said none of the seven injured officers had been seriously hurt, but they "did not deserve to be assaulted" while policing the demonstration. Police also said they were investigating online threats and abuse directed at officers and staff from partner agencies after the disorder. The force has appealed to anyone who recognizes the six men to contact police on 101 or report information online, quoting reference 44260435943. Rowlinson said, "If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so seek a prosecution."
Portsmouth Disorder Leads to Police Appeal for Information on Six Suspects
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