Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released images of six men they would like to speak to in connection with violent disorder in Portsmouth last week. The incident resulted in seven police officers being injured and treated at the scene, and damage to Coastguard and Border Force vehicles.
The disorder occurred on Sunday night after approximately 200 people gathered at Eastney Marina following the arrival of a small boat carrying asylum seekers. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson stated that the events went beyond peaceful protest, describing them as "violent public disorder."
Police reviewed "hundreds of hours' worth" of footage to identify those involved. Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, appeared in court on Saturday charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. A 16-year-old boy from Waterlooville was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and has been released on bail until 12 December.
The force is appealing to anyone who recognises the six men in the released images to contact them on 101 or report information online, quoting reference 44260435943. Police are also investigating online threats and abuse directed at officers and staff from partner agencies.