Policing Minister Sarah Jones has condemned the disorder that occurred at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth on Sunday night, describing it as "intimidating and thuggish". Several police officers were injured and vehicles were damaged during the demonstration, which followed the arrival of 120 migrants in a single dinghy.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Jones warned that "those who cross into illegality" would "face the full force of the law". Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that officers were treated at the scene for injuries, none of which were serious, and an investigation has been launched to identify offenders.
Around 200 people, some masked, confronted police in riot gear at the Eastney Landing ferry port area. Protesters blocked traffic and attempted to prevent coaches carrying the migrants from leaving, with the coaches eventually departing in the early hours of Monday.
Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt stated that the Home Office has "serious questions to answer" regarding the decision to bring the migrants to shore in the area, calling it "needless disruption".