Twelve individuals were taken into custody on Sunday following a demonstration in Gosport, Hampshire, where opponents of migration gathered to protest the landing of asylum seekers. The arrests followed a stand-off at a local marina involving roughly 150 demonstrators and law enforcement officials.
According to the Home Office, the group of 149 migrants was rescued during a mid-Channel operation conducted by the RNLI in coordination with a French vessel. The individuals, comprising eleven men and one woman, were subsequently transported by coach to a processing facility in Kent.
Hampshire Police confirmed that the twelve detainees were arrested on suspicion of various offences, including assaulting police officers, affray, and violations of racially aggravated public order laws. All remain in police custody.
While the overall atmosphere on Haslar Road was described as largely peaceful, there were isolated incidents of tension. Some protesters ignited flares and engaged in scuffles with officers. A number of demonstrators positioned themselves in front of police vans and chanted slogans, including “shame on you” and “deport the lot,” attempting to block the vehicles’ movement.
Authorities had established a police cordon and imposed conditions under the Public Order Act, including a prohibition on wearing face coverings. Forces were deployed to assist partners during what was anticipated to be an emergency at sea, working alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the RNLI, and the Border Security Command.
Police reported that a small number of officers received treatment for injuries at the scene, but no serious injuries were recorded among those present. This event marks the second known landing of a significant number of migrants on the south coast this far west in recent years.
I support the police. They’re doing an impossible job with limited resources while everyone shouts at them. Stay safe out there.
Second landing this far west? That’s alarming. Hampshire needs a long-term strategy, not just police cordon tactics.
This isn’t a protest, it’s intimidation. Arrests were inevitable when people start throwing things and blocking ambulances.
Face coverings banned, yet somehow they still managed to cause chaos. Strange how that works out.
Is it just me or did the media barely cover this? Must be nice to live in Gosport and watch the drama unfold on your doorstep.
Shame on us, maybe. But not for letting them land. Shame on the boats that send them, or whatever, I give up.
149 rescued migrants, 150 protesters, 12 arrests. The numbers don’t lie. Someone needs to address the root cause, not just arrest people at the dock.
How many officers were injured exactly? The article says ‘treatment at scene’ but doesn’t specify. Seems vague for something this reported.
Twelve arrested? I just hope they have strong legal representation. Public order offences can be so subjective these days.
Deport the lot indeed. These people are causing nothing but trouble and violence. Good on the police for keeping order.