Minister condemns disorder at Portsmouth anti-migrant protest after police officers hurt
Police officers were injured and vehicles damaged during a violent anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth following the arrival of migrants by boat. The government has condemned the disorder as 'thuggish' and launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
Why it matters
The incident reflects rising social tensions regarding immigration policy and the challenges of maintaining public order during protests.
Image caption, Around 200 people, some wearing masks, confronted police in riot gear at the protest
Police are seeking to identify protesters after several officers were injured and vehicles damaged in Portsmouth at a demonstration sparked by the arrival of 120 migrants in a single dinghy.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones told the House of Commons the disorder on Sunday night was "intimidating and thuggish" and warned "those who cross into illegality" would "face the full force of the law".
The protests followed a large group of masked men holding a demonstration over small-boat crossings at the Port of Dover on Saturday, causing major disruption.
Portsmouth City Council said the Home Office had "serious questions to answer" over the decision to bring the migrants, who had crossed the English Channel from France, to shore in the area.
What we know about anti-migrant protests and organiser Danny Thomas
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