Family caught up in Portsmouth anti-migrant protest 'felt unsafe'
A family trapped in a marina during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth reported feeling unsafe as police clashed with demonstrators. The protest aimed to block coaches transporting migrants for processing, leading to a significant emergency service response.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing social tensions surrounding migration policy and the impact of public protests on local communities.
Image caption, Protesters blocked roads near the Eastney Landing ferry port area
A man who was stuck on a yacht in a marina targeted by anti-migrant protesters has said he and his family felt "completely unsafe".
On Sunday, police faced off with demonstrators as they blocked roads in Portsmouth in an effort to stop 140 people from leaving the city who arrived at the Eastney Landing ferry port area.
Toby Merritt-Smith, who found himself stuck on his yacht as the marina went into lockdown during the evening, said some people had come to the area "for a fight".
"Peaceful protest is OK, but this certainly wasn't that," he said.
Figure caption, Watch: Anti-migrant protesters block roads in Portsmouth
Merritt-Smith was returning from Gunwharf Quays with his wife, son, grandfather, mother, stepfather, and two brothers on board.
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