Three people have been charged after a protest in Gosport, which was sparked by reports that a group of migrants crossing the English Channel might be brought ashore in the town. Hampshire Police deployed officers on Tuesday evening to facilitate peaceful protest and ensure community safety.
Shannon Dodds, 32, of Leonard Road, Gosport, has been charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker. Sally Pearson, 31, of Forton Road, Gosport, faces charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence. Both have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Toby Matthews, 33, also of Forton Road, was charged with common assault of an emergency worker. He has been bailed to appear in court on 9 November.
Six people were arrested during the evening on suspicion of offences including assault of an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence. A 19-year-old man and a 36-year-old man, both from Salisbury, were bailed with conditions until 22 December after being arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. A 67-year-old man from Gosport was given a fixed penalty notice for driving without due care and attention and was also bailed with conditions until 22 December after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, police said.
Ultimately, 51 migrants were taken to Dover after their boat, which had travelled from France, was intercepted.