12 arrested after anti-migrant protest near Gosport marina

Twelve people were arrested after an anti-migrant protest near Haslar Marina in Gosport, Hampshire, following the arrival of a small boat carrying migrants across the English Channel.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said around 350 people gathered in the area on Sunday, with the crowd eventually dispersing at about 2 a.m. Monday after those brought ashore had been transported out of Hampshire for processing. 

Police said the arrests involved suspected offences including assaulting police officers, criminal damage, obstruction of a highway and breaches of public-order restrictions.

Officers used powers under the Public Order Act and other legislation, including restrictions on face coverings and a dispersal order covering Gosport.

Police said a small number of officers were treated for injuries, but no member of the public or emergency services was seriously injured.

Flares were reportedly set off and scuffles occurred with police during the demonstration.

All 12 people arrested remained in custody as officers continued reviewing body-camera footage and videos posted online, with police saying further arrests could follow.