Full Breakdown
Portsmouth Anti-Migrant Protests Spark Police Use of New Face-Covering Ban
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Violent Disorder at Eastney Marina
On September 6 hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Eastney Marina in Portsmouth to block three coaches carrying migrants rescued from a small boat. Police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged, and a small number of officers received treatment for injuries. Seven officers were reported assaulted. The disturbance ended after a formal dispersal order in the early hours. A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove was later charged with violent disorder and assaulting a constable and is due to appear in court on September 12.
Background & Context
The protest followed the interception of a dinghy carrying roughly 140 migrants off the Isle of Wight and their transfer to the Manston processing centre in Kent. A similar blockade had occurred the previous day at the Port of Dover, prompting nationwide attention. Far-right activist Daniel Thomas (“Danny Tommo”) and his Patriot Platform group coordinated the Portsmouth action, describing it as a “patriotic” response to illegal immigration. Police invoked the Crime and Policing Act 2025 (Section 158 and a Section 60AA order) to ban face coverings in a designated area from 9 a.m. on September 12 to 9 a.m. on September 13.
Data & Statistics
- Migrants intercepted: ? 140 (some reports cite 120).
- Protesters present: ? 200.
- Officers assaulted: 7.
- First arrest: Del Leon Somerville, charged with violent disorder and assault.
- Public opinion (YouGov, September 11): 68 % support police powers to ban face coverings; 20 % oppose.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said specialist teams are trained for protest policing and that the powers would be applied “equally and impartially.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged police to use the new powers, describing the masked gatherings as “intimidating” and a “fear factor” for residents. Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner, the NPCC’s lead on protest policing, said officers were “absolutely ready” to enforce the ban.
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitness Troy described seeing “very scared women and children” disembarking from the dinghy and noted that the protest delayed the migrants’ journey by “eight, nine hours.” Protester Les Pearce said people were “absolutely fed up” with the small-boat arrivals. Local residents reported vehicles blocked for hours, with some forced to stay overnight in nearby homes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of migrants rescued: the Independent cites 140, while BBC accounts refer to 120. Initial coverage claimed no arrests were made on the night of the protest, yet later reports confirm the charging of Del Leon Somerville. Kent police first denied receiving advance warnings of the Dover protest, but later admitted a non-emergency tip was received on Friday evening and not fully assessed.
What’s Next
The face-covering ban will be enforced during the designated protest window on September 12–13. Del Leon Somerville is scheduled to appear before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on September 12. Hampshire Police have launched a review of video footage and continue to cross-reference sources to identify further offences. The government has indicated a review of intelligence procedures after the Kent and Portsmouth incidents.
