Police used batons and pepper spray on far-right protesters in Portsmouth unrest
Riot police in Portsmouth used batons and pepper spray to disperse approximately 200 far-right protesters following unrest linked to anti-immigration sentiment. The incident resulted in injuries to police officers and has drawn condemnation from government officials.
Why it matters
The event highlights rising social tensions and the challenges of policing organized far-right demonstrations in the UK.
An estimated 200 activists gathered in Portsmouth and clashed with riot police on Sunday night. Photograph: Supplied An estimated 200 activists gathered in Portsmouth and clashed with riot police on Sunday night. Photograph: Supplied Portsmouth Police used batons and pepper spray on far-right protesters in Portsmouth unrest Minister condemns groups behind Hampshire disorder and says officers were injured as they repelled ‘aggression’
Prefer the Guardian on Google Batons and synthetic pepper spray were used to repel hundreds of masked, black-clad vigilantes in Portsmouth on Sunday, it has emerged, as the policing minister said officers had been injured as they repelled organised “aggression”.
Activists wearing balaclavas clashed with police in Portsmouth on Sunday evening after a dinghy reached the UK from Normandy. Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary have launched an investigation into potential assaults and criminal damage.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in