Migrant protests: Portsmouth man arrested for violent disorder at Eastney

Police have arrested another man after “violent public disorder” broke out during a protest against migrant landings in Eastney.

Originally Hampshire Constabulary circulated pictures of six men to whom they wanted to speak after the incident at Eastney on Sunday, September 6.

A “mega-dinghy” that had crossed the Channel from France carrying migrants had been intercepted by the RNLI, and its passengers taken aboard. Two RNLI vessels from the Isle of Wight were refused entry to Southampton Water and to Portsmouth Harbour, and eventually landed at Eastney on the Hayling Ferry pontoon on Sunday afternoon. Word had got out by then and protestors turned up to demonstrate.

Yesterday police revealed that a 29-year-old man from Hayling Island had been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and today police have said that a 22-year-old man from Portsmouth has also been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and is in custody.

Previously police have said that 200 people dispersed at about 4am on the Monday morning, and that several police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged during the evening. They say a “small number” of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, but that “no-one in attendance from any agency or the public was seriously injured.”

They have been combing through CCTV footage as part of investigations.

Justin Dixon, 50, of Cross Way, Havant, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and admitted violent disorder. He will be sentenced on October 8 at Portsmouth Crown Court.

On Wednesday Del Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court to violent disorder after the incident. He was the first person to be arrested and will be sentenced on September 24.

A 16-year-old male was arrested on Saturday has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Previously Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: “We have been consistently clear that violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest and we will investigate incidents like this thoroughly and take robust action against those responsible. Clearly events on [that] Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder, and this will not be tolerated as we work to keep our wider communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight safe.

“I’d urge anyone who recognises the men pictured to contact us.

“The reality of public order policing is that arrests at the time are not always possible, especially where evidence may need to be reviewed to clearly identify who is responsible for offences.

“During the disorder seven police officers were injured and treated at the scene, thankfully no-one was seriously injured. Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. Neither do they, or anyone from our partner agencies, deserve to be singled out online or subjected to abuse via social media. We will work with our colleagues across policing to address any online threats that are made.

“The actions we have been taking as part of our investigation send a clear warning to anyone intent on causing disruption and disorder at any future events. If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so seek a prosecution.”

Anyone who believes they may recognise the six men pictured, or who may have information that can help police can call 101, quoting reference 44260435943, or can also report online: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/