Police search for four men in relation to Eastney protests after fourth person arrested in connection with disorder
Police investigations continue
A 29-year-old man from Hayling Island has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following a protest in Eastney, while police continue to search for four other men as part of investigations.
Officers were deployed to Eastney on September 6 following the arrival of an RNLI boat that had picked up 120 migrants attempting to cross the Channel, which sparked a protest in the area.
The crowd of approximately 200 people dispersed at around 4am the following morning. Several police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged during the evening, and seven officers were treated at the scene for injuries.
This marks the fourth arrest in relation to the anti-migrant protest. The first man to be arrested in relation to the protest, Del Somerville, 42, pleaded guilty to violent disorder today (September 16) at Portsmouth Crown Court. Justin Dixon, aged 50 and of Cross Way in Havant, was also charged with violent disorder on September 15.
A 16-year-old male was arrested on September 12 in connection with this incident and has since been bailed pending further investigation.
Police are still investigating evidence gathered from the protests and wish to speak to a further four men as part of their enquiries.
Detectives reviewed hundreds of hours’ worth of footage of the protest from different sources to identify any offences committed.
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 Sunday evening were not peaceful protests, 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.”
Anyone who believes they may recognise the four men pictured, or who may have information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to come forward. Please call 101, quoting reference 44260435943, or can also report online here.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website here.