Police release images of six men after anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth

Police have released images of six men a week after an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth in which officers were injured and vehicles were damaged.

Demonstrators clashed with police after a boat carrying migrants who crossed the Channel in a small boat arrived at Eastney Marina in the city last Sunday.

The protesters blocked roads for hours and vowed to stay all night, with Hampshire Police stepping in to disperse around 200 by around 4am on Monday.

Several police, coastguard and border force vehicles were damaged during the evening and a small number of officers were injured.

Detectives have since combed through hundreds of hours of footage and released images of six men who they say can assist the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: "We have been consistently clear that violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest and we will investigate incidents like this thoroughly and take robust action against those responsible.

"Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder, and this will not be tolerated as we work to keep our wider communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight safe.

"I'd urge anyone who recognises the six men pictured to contact us.

"The reality of public order policing is that arrests at the time are not always possible, especially where evidence may need to be reviewed to clearly identify who is responsible for offences."

The boat that arrived in Portsmouth sailed from the Jobourg region of Normandy and reportedly had approximately 140 people on board.

It was met in the Channel by two RNLI boats, who took the migrants to Eastney harbour.

Landings as far west as Hampshire are rare, and the vessel made a much longer journey than most migrant boats.

Police said a 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove, Hampshire, was charged on Friday in connection with the demonstrations last week.

And, a 16-year-old male was arrested in connection with the incident on Saturday and has since been bailed pending further inquiries.

Saturday also saw a further anti-migrant protest, and counter demonstration, in the city but police reported fewer problems.

Last week's disorder unfolded after anti-migrant protests in Dover on 5 September, during which masked men blocked roads to the port.

Approximately 200 people were involved and it caused "significant traffic disruption for several hours", according to Kent Police.

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Nigel Brookes, assistant chief constable of Kent Police, said: "There has been some discussion about the fact that protesters on Saturday wore face coverings.

"To do so is not, in itself, sufficient to establish a criminal offence.

"There is no need to wear a face covering in Kent, if your plan is to peacefully express your views."

(c) Sky News 2026: Police release images of six men after anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth