Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has announced it will prohibit face coverings at a planned demonstration in Portsmouth, using powers introduced by the Crime and Policing Act to prevent people concealing their identities. The restrictions take effect from 10:00 BST on Saturday and will remain in force until Sunday morning, the force said.
Police cite prevention of violence and intimidation
Officers said the move aims to curb violence, intimidation and disorder following a series of anti-migrant protests in the area over the past week. The order covers parts of the city and will allow police to require individuals to remove masks or other items used to hide their faces. Those who do not comply could face arrest.
"It is important to stress that this power will apply to any groups that attend the protest and will be enforced equally and impartially," said Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo.
Assistant Chief Constable Bartolomeo added the restriction was not intended to stop lawful protest but to reduce the risk of criminal behaviour and to help people feel safer in their communities.
Context: recent disturbances and damage
The decision follows disturbances in Portsmouth on Sunday night, when demonstrators blocked roads near Eastney Marina in an attempt to impede coaches reported to be carrying 120 migrants who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy. Police described the incident as involving violent public disorder, with the crowd dispersing in the early hours of Monday.
During the incident, several vehicles belonging to the police, coastguard and Border Force were damaged, and a small number of officers received treatment for injuries at the scene. A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove has been charged on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer and remains in custody ahead of a court appearance.
Enforcement, impartiality and expectations
Hampshire police said the face covering restriction will be applied to any individuals or groups who attend the protest area and will be enforced without favour. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said the arrest announced was the "first of several" expected as part of the ongoing probe into the events.
Police are giving advance notice of the measure to attendees and the wider public. The force indicated the power will also permit officers to require people to remove hats, hoods, scarves or other items if they are being used to conceal identity during protest activity.
- Start: 10:00 BST on Saturday
- Duration: Until Sunday morning (exact time not specified)
- Migrants on coaches: 120 reported
- Arrest: 42-year-old charged on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legislation used | Crime and Policing Act (new powers to restrict face coverings at protests) |
| Policing aim | Prevent violence, intimidation and disorder |
| Location | Parts of Portsmouth (order applies within defined area) |
Protesters wearing masks have been a visible element at recent demonstrations in both Portsmouth and Dover, according to officers. Police said a separate order will empower them to compel the removal of coverings where necessary to establish identity or to reduce risks to public safety.
Wider consequences and questions
The invocation of the Crime and Policing Act powers in Portsmouth will prompt scrutiny from civil liberties groups and campaigners who are likely to examine whether the measures strike the right balance between public order and the right to protest. The force has insisted the restriction is aimed solely at preventing criminality and will be applied equally to all attendees.
As police prepare to police the demonstration, investigators continue to examine the weekend's disturbances. The charged suspect is due to appear before Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Saturday, while officers signalled further arrests could follow as enquiries progress.
Authorities and local services, including coastguard and Border Force teams, were involved in the response to the unrest. Residents and those planning to attend are being asked to be aware of the prohibition on face coverings within the specified area during the period stated by the force.
