Twelve people have been arrested and remain in custody following an anti-migrant protest in Gosport yesterday evening, Hampshire Police confirmed.
Police officers and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and Border Security Command, responded to reports of a small boat crossing the Channel yesterday afternoon, as a vessel carrying 149 migrants docked.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said agencies involved in the response safely disembarked migrants, and transported them outside Hampshire for processing.
A small number of police officers were treated at the scene for injuries during the ordeal.
Police said no-one attending from any agency or members of the public was seriously injured.
One person suffering from chest pains was assisted by police officers, before being treated by South Central Ambulance Service.
Around 100 demonstrators have gathered near Haslar Marina in Gosport, with a police cordon put in place on Haslar Road | PA/TREVOR ADAMS
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Last night saw a number of incidents that were clearly 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.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. Neither do they, or anyone from our partner agencies, deserve to be singled out online or subjected to abuse via social media.
“We will work with our colleagues across policing to address any online threats that are made.
“We will continue to review body-worn video footage and videos posted online to identify any further offences and may make further arrests in due course in required”.
