Several arrests were made as rival groups clashed during an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday. The demonstration involved members of South Coast Patriots and Stand Up To Racism, who faced off after marching the same route to Guildhall Square. Police intervened to keep the groups separated as tensions escalated, with verbal exchanges including anti-immigration protesters booing and calling opposition supporters "leftie scum."

Hampshire Police enforced a Section 60AA order under the Crime and Policing Act, which gave officers the authority to require protesters to remove face coverings or other items concealing their identity. This measure was introduced following a series of protests over the past week, including events at Eastney Marina and Dover involving masked demonstrators. The police noted that the restrictions aimed to reduce violence and disorder, emphasizing that the powers would be applied impartially and not to hinder lawful protest.

Throughout the day, police stopped several individuals suspected of violating the face covering ban. One person, seen with black scarves tied across their face, was taken into custody, while a man on a mobility scooter wearing a plastic face mask removed it after being approached by officers. Police confirmed the arrests of two men and a teenage boy. Among those detained was a 76-year-old man from Southampton, arrested on suspicion of concealing his identity during the protest; a 33-year-old local man, who faces charges related to obstructing a highway and alleged criminal damage to a police van; and a 16-year-old boy from Portsmouth, arrested in connection with violent public disorder at Eastney Marina the previous Sunday.

The protest also attracted activity from supporters of other groups. Some anti-migrant demonstrators were seen carrying Union flags and wearing clothing branded with Portsmouth Patriots insignia around All Saints Church on Commercial Road. Nearby, supporters of Stand Up To Racism and Refugees Welcome gathered, displaying banners highlighting the work of the RNLI and condemning recent abuse faced by volunteers aiding migrants.

Ahead of the demonstration, Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, an activist linked to Patriot Platform, announced that his group would not participate in the Portsmouth event. Meanwhile, some social media posts from anti-immigration supporters suggested alternatives to face coverings, such as wearing hats, sunglasses, and war paint, in apparent attempts to circumvent the ban.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo reiterated that the police powers would target individuals seeking to incite violence or create fear. He stressed the force’s commitment to safeguarding public safety while permitting peaceful and lawful expression of views.