Man charged with concealing identity at anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth

A 76-year-old man has been charged with concealing his identity at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth after police warned they would use powers to arrest demonstrators wearing face coverings.

Timothy Miller, of Southampton, will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday accused of wearing or using an item to conceal his identity at a protest, Hampshire Police said.

It comes after anti-migrant and anti-racism protesters faced off in the city centre on Saturday.

Counter protesters held signs in support of the RNLI (Jonathan Brady/PA)

PA Wire

Police used powers under the Crime and Policing Act to restrict face coverings following anti-immigration protests featuring masked men in Portsmouth and Dover last weekend.

Another man and a teenage boy were arrested at the protests on Saturday.

David McNally, 33, of Portsmouth, has been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and attempted criminal damage.

He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on October 29.

A 16-year-old boy, from Waterlooville, who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to scenes last week, has been released on bail until December 12.