Chronological coverage updated 12th September 2026 17:50.
Update 1 · 12th September 2026
Three Arrested in Portsmouth as Police Enforce Face Covering Ban at Rival Protests
Three individuals were arrested in Portsmouth as police implemented newly introduced powers under the Crime and Policing Act to ban demonstrators from wearing face coverings. The arrests took place during planned marches involving several hundred anti-migrant protesters and a opposing counter-demonstration organized by Stand Up To Racism.
The enforcement action began after powers taking effect at 10:00 BST permitted Hampshire Police to order the removal of masks and face coverings meant to conceal identity. Among those detained was a 76-year-old man suspected of concealing his identity despite the prohibition, alongside a 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway. Additionally, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder connected to earlier unrest at Eastney Marina.
Escalation Following Marina Blockade
The heightened police presence follows severe disruption on 6 September at Eastney Marina, where hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads to halt coaches transporting 120 migrants who had crossed the English Channel in a dinghy. During that earlier incident, multiple police vehicles, alongside Coastguard and Border Force property, were damaged, and several officers sustained minor injuries while managing the crowds until early Monday morning.
An estimated 500 anti-migrant protesters and 300 Stand Up To Racism counter-demonstrators marched through Portsmouth before being separated in Guildhall Square..
During Saturday's events, approximately 500 anti-migrant demonstrators gathered outside All Saints Church on Commercial Road carrying Union and St George flags, with some wearing Portsmouth Patriot branded attire. The group chanted slogans while marching toward Guildhall Square, where around 300 counter-protesters had gathered. Police officers kept the two opposing groups strictly separated upon their arrival at the square.
BBC News reportedly quoted Simon Magorian (representative for Stand Up To Racism Portsmouth) as saying: “Portsmouth is actually a good functioning multi-cultural city.”.
BBC News reportedly quoted Paul Bartolomeo (Assistant Chief Constable at Hampshire Police) as saying: “It is important to stress that this power will apply to any groups that attend the protest and will be enforced equally and impartially.”.
Official Response and Broader Enforcement
BBC News reportedly quoted Donna Jones (Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner) as saying: “I'm pleased that today's protests in Portsmouth took place without major issue.”.
Authorities noted that similar face covering restrictions were enacted by Staffordshire Police during a planned protest in Tamworth by Britain First, which concluded without incident or arrests. Hampshire Police confirmed that extra powers were deployed specifically to deter violence and disorder while maintaining public safety.
- Police used powers under the Crime and Policing Act to restrict face coverings during major street protests.
- Three arrests were made, including one for violent disorder stemming from earlier migrant coach blockades.