Anti-migrant protesters and counter demonstrators hold rival demos in PortsmouthProtesters had been warned that those wearing face coverings could be arrested under powers in the Crime and Policing Act
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Tom Place, News Reporter1 minute ago
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Anti-migrant protesters and counter demonstrators gathered in Portsmouth on Saturday, with police warning they would not tolerate incitement of fear or violence.
No-one could be seen wearing masks at either gathering following warnings from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary that protesters wearing face coverings could be arrested under powers in the Crime and Policing Act.
There was a large police presence in Portsmouth city centre where demonstrators assembled to march.
The anti-immigration protest marched to Guildhall Square, with the counter-protest following behind on the same route.
Demonstrators participate in an anti-migrant rally at the Guildhall in PortsmouthGetty
Anti-migrant protesters held Union flags while some wearing Portsmouth Patriot branded clothing gathered outside All Saints Church on Commercial Road.
A man with a megaphone addressed the anti-migration protest, getting the crowd chanting “stop the boats”.
The man said that the protest was against “illegal men invading the shores”.
Many flags were raised during the protest, including Union flags, St George’s flags and a couple of other flags reading “Jesus is King”.
During the march, banners saying “We’ve had enough stop the boats” and “Stand up, speak out, stop the grooming gangs” could be seen.
There were chants of: “Whose streets? Our streets” and “I’m England til I die”.
People take part in an anti-immigration demonstration and march gather in the city of PortsmouthAFP/Getty
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring car park, demonstrators holding Stand Up To Racism and Refugees Welcome banners also prepared to march, holding signs including: “RNLI are heroes, no-one is illegal.”
RNLI volunteers and staff have faced abuse from anti-migrant protesters due to its rescue work bringing some small boat migrants ashore.
During the counter protest, chants could be heard including: “Scapegoat migrants no way, blame the rich and make them pay”, and “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.
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Signs could also be seen saying “Hate has no place in Pompey” and “Stop the far right”.
People take part in an anti-far right demonstration in PortsmouthAFP/Getty
The anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism protesters then assembled to face each other on opposite sides of Guildhall Square in Portsmouth, with some shouting at each other.
The Stand Up To Racism side could be heard chanting “stop the hate” while booing could be heard from the anti-immigration side, and a woman shouted: “You house them.”
The anti-immigration protesters then started chanting about deportation.
Anti-racist demonstrators stage a counter protest to an anti-migrant rally at the Guildhall in PortsmouthGetty
Ahead of the protests, Hampshire Police said: “We will support those who want to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate those whose only aim is to create fear and incite violence.”
Both groups were allocated specific locations at which they can gather under protest conditions.
The first man charged over last week’s anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth appeared in court on Saturday.
Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said Somerville’s arrest was the “first of what we fully anticipate to be a number of arrests” and hoped it would send a “clear warning” to those planning future disruption and disorder.
On Thursday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met police for reassurance they are ready to move quickly in dealing with “far-right groups” seeking to intimidate communities after the events in Dover and Portsmouth last weekend.
Home Secretary Shabana MahmoodPA Wire
Overnight last Sunday, crowds gathered at Eastney Marina after a dinghy’s arrival across the English Channel.
Official vehicles were damaged and a small number of police officers were injured, Hampshire Police said.
About 200 people were dispersed early on Monday.
Protesters at Dover Priory train station after black-clad and masked anti-illegal migrant demonstrators blocked roads in Dover during a protestPA
In Dover, crowds of masked men blocked road access to the port last Saturday, in scenes which were condemned by politicians of all parties.
Ms Mahmood said: “These scenes have caused disruption for people and, given that people are dressed in black wearing balaclavas, there is a fear factor and obvious malign intent being communicated to our residents.
“This makes it different from other protests, so we need to make sure we are learning lessons.”
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