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UK police ban face coverings at planned anti-migrant protest
Police will use new powers to arrest anyone concealing identity as officers seek to curb violence and disorder after recent clashes.
- Hampshire Police implemented new powers under the Crime and Policing Act to ban face coverings in Portsmouth from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday, aiming to prevent violence during planned protests across the city.
- Sunday's violent disorder at Eastney Marina prompted the restrictions after hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants; official vehicles were damaged in the incident, which officials described as "thuggish."
- Recent YouGov polling from Friday suggests 68% of Brits support police using these powers, while Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated the measures will be enforced "equally and impartially" to protect communities.
- Del Leon Somerville was charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer; he will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Saturday. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson called this the "first of several" arrests expected.
- Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan welcomed the measures ahead of today's demonstrations. South Coast Patriots have scheduled a march in the city centre, while Stand up to Racism will host a counter-protest simultaneously.
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Police confirm first arrest for 'concealing identity' at Portsmouth migration protest
A 76-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of concealing his identity at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth.It comes after Hampshire Police announced it would use powers enabling them to arrest anybody wearing a face covering at the demonstration.A person wearing what appeared to be black scarves tied across his face and head was pictured in handcuffs on Saturday afternoon.Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary used po…
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources26
Leaning Left5Leaning Right5Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 28%
C 44%
R 28%
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