Portsmouth Protests: Man Charged with Violent Disorder
A Paulsgrove man faces court after incidents at anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth.
Man Faces Court After Anti-Migrant Protests in Portsmouth
A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove, Del Leon Somerville, has been brought before Portsmouth Magistrates Court under accusations linked to recent anti-migrant protests. During the events in Portsmouth on 6 September, he allegedly assaulted police officers by hurling a bottle amidst the turmoil. This altercation occurred amidst wider public demonstrations, where hundreds attempted to obstruct the departure of coaches transporting migrants who had recently crossed the Channel.
Somerville is accused of not only throwing a bottle but also engaging in aggressive behavior towards police officers. During his court appearance, no plea was recorded, and he remains in custody until his next scheduled appearance at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 September.
Crowd Control and Response
The protests, swelling to hundreds of participants, were met with a decisive police presence aimed at maintaining order. Officers from Hampshire Police attended the site at Eastney Marina to contain the protestors seeking to prevent the relocation of 120 migrants. The disturbances led to slight injuries to some officers, as well as damage to several vehicles utilized by law enforcement, the coastguard, and Border Force.
In response to these events, Hampshire Police have issued statements emphasizing their commitment to manage public demonstrations effectively. They have outlined that any individuals concealing their identity with face coverings during protests may face arrest, capitalizing on the powers granted by the Crime and Policing Act 2025. This new measure will be enforced within designated locales from 10:00 BST Saturday to 10:00 Sunday.
Upcoming Protests and Police Strategy
Looking ahead, additional demonstrations are anticipated from the South Coast Patriots in Portsmouth city centre. In parallel, a counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism is also planned. Outside of Portsmouth, other regions are preparing for similar events, including Tamworth, where an event titled “March for Remigration” is expected, spearheaded by Britain First. Newcastle city centre police have also initiated measures against face coverings at protests there.
The events in Eastney follow on the heels of other similar protests, notably one at the Port of Dover, reflecting increasing tensions surrounding immigration in the UK.
