Three arrested as opposing protestors march through city centre

Three people have been arrested as rival groups of protesters marched through the streets.

Groups from South Coast Patriots and Stand Up To Racism both called for peaceful protests to take place in Portsmouth on Saturday, September 12. This comes after approximately 140 migrants, who were crossing the Channel, were brought to Eastney on Sunday, September 6, sparking protests and people attempting to prevent them entering the city.

The two opposing groups of protestors were separated during the marches, which ended at Guildhall Square, with police mapping out a dedicated route that had to be followed to minimise disruption.

Ahead of the protest, the police force announced it would use new powers, under section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025, to prohibit face coverings being worn in Southsea, Eastney, Old Portsmouth and the city centre.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has now confirmed three people were arrested during the protests in the centre.

A 76-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of wearing/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 criminal damage.

A 16-year-old male from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, in relation to violent public disorder at Eastney on Sunday, September 6.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I’m pleased that today’s protests in Portsmouth took place without major issue. Thankfully we didn’t see repeated scenes of Sunday night with assaults on police officers and criminal damage to police vehicles and people’s property.

“Hundreds of people took part in today’s protest, and with the exception of a few people, it was peaceful and conducted in accordance with the new law calling for their faces to be uncovered. The people of Portsmouth deserve to go about their business without fear and disruption.

“While some may think it was arbitrary to use the new power directing people to remove face-coverings, the police ensured it was implemented equally and impartially for everyone involved. I will ensure this power is used proportionately in the future for both sides of the spectrum of protestors.

“Hundreds of officers were needed to ensure today’s event passed peacefully. I want to thank Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for their hard work and professionalism in ensuring the city of Portsmouth and local people remained a safe place to be, especially on a weekend.”

More updates to follow.