Police seek to identify protesters behind Portsmouth anti-migrant disorder

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.

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Council leader Steve Pitt said the decision had caused "needless disruption".

Around 200 people, some wearing masks, confronted police in riot gear after they descended on the Eastney Landing ferry port area, where the migrants were landed.

Police protected a number of coaches parked on a road leading away from Eastney Marina as protesters blocked traffic. A dispersal order was put in place, meaning anyone failing to comply with police could be arrested.

In a statement, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said a handful of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, none of which were serious.

It said: "Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest.