Rival groups of protesters marched through Portsmouth on Saturday as new police restrictions on the use of masks and balaclavas came into effect. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated on Friday that it would use new powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prevent people involved in protest activity from wearing face coverings that conceal their identity.
A significant police presence was observed in the city centre. Anti-migrant protesters assembled, while rival demonstrators carrying Stand up to Racism banners began a march shortly afterwards. Participants from both groups were not seen wearing face coverings when their marches commenced.
The city centre protests follow disorder on 6 September, when police attended Eastney Marina. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants from leaving the city. Hampshire Police reported that several of its vehicles, along with those of the coastguard and Border Force, were damaged during the disruption, which lasted until the early hours of Monday. A small number of officers were treated for injuries at the scene, but no one was seriously injured.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said on Friday that the power would apply to all groups attending protests and would be enforced equally. He clarified that these powers are not intended to prevent protest but to help prevent crime and disorder and make communities feel safer.