Police to crack down on face coverings at protests in Portsmouth
Restrictions on wearing masks and balaclavas took effect in parts of Portsmouth at 10:00 BST on Saturday and run until Sunday morning. People who breach them could be arrested.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said the restriction would apply equally to all groups at the protest. Staffordshire Police announced a similar ban for a Tamworth rally on Saturday, where Britain First plans a “March for Remigration.”
A 42-year-old Portsmouth man, Del Leon Somerville, has been charged over alleged violent disorder and assaulting an officer. He remains in custody and is due at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Police said vehicles belonging to the force, the coastguard and Border Force were damaged during unrest that continued into early Monday. Officers said they would investigate violence and criminal damage and act against online threats to police and partner agencies.
Key points
- Portsmouth’s face-covering restrictions last from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.
- Patriot Platform organiser Danny Thomas said his group would skip the planned protest.
- A charged 42-year-old man remains in custody and is due in court Saturday.