A man has been arrested after a police van was targeted during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth, as rival demonstrators faced off in tense scenes in the city centre.
The arrest came as protesters had been warned that those wearing face coverings could be arrested under powers in the Crime and Policing Act. One video posted to social media showed a man wearing a burqa, in an apparent attempt to flout the ban, being spoken to by police.
Anti-migrant demonstrators and counter-protesters held rival demonstrations in Portsmouth, with the two groups confronting each other. The anti-migration protest took place outside Portsmouth Guildhall, where a significant police presence was in place to manage the crowds.
According to reports, anti-migrant demonstrators were seen chasing down counter-protesters after the march. The confrontations marked a flashpoint in a day of heightened tensions in the city.
The face covering ban had been imposed as a condition on the protests, with authorities warning that anyone concealing their identity could face arrest. The measure was intended to prevent disorder and allow police to identify individuals involved in any criminal activity.
The man wearing a burqa was approached by officers, in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to challenge the restrictions. It was not immediately clear whether he was the individual arrested in connection with the police van incident.
Police have not yet released further details about the arrest or the circumstances surrounding the targeting of the police van. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The protests in Portsmouth are part of a wider wave of anti-migrant demonstrations that have taken place across the UK in recent months. These events have frequently seen confrontations between anti-migrant protesters and counter-demonstrators, with police often deployed in large numbers to keep the peace.
In Portsmouth, the rival demonstrations drew crowds to the city centre, disrupting traffic and local business. The atmosphere was described as tense as the two sides exchanged slogans and, at times, came into direct conflict.
The use of face coverings at such protests has become a contentious issue, with some demonstrators arguing that masks are a legitimate form of protection or expression, while authorities view them as a tool to evade accountability for public order offences.
The Crime and Policing Act provides police with powers to impose conditions on protests, including bans on face coverings, if they believe it is necessary to prevent serious disorder. Breaching these conditions can result in arrest.
Local residents and community leaders have expressed concern about the impact of such protests on community cohesion. Portsmouth, like many UK cities, has a diverse population, and the anti-migrant message has been condemned by many as divisive.
Counter-protesters, often associated with anti-racism groups, have mobilised in response to the anti-migrant demonstrations, leading to the face-offs seen in Portsmouth. The presence of both groups in close proximity has repeatedly required police to intervene to separate them.
The arrest of the man following the police van incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing these events. Police have stressed that they will take action against anyone breaking the law, regardless of their affiliation.
Further details about the arrested man, including his age and any charges, have not been released. The police van was targeted but no injuries have been reported.
The events in Portsmouth reflect ongoing tensions around migration and public order in the UK, with both sides vowing to continue their campaigns. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged calm.