Man charged with concealing identity at protest

A man has been charged with concealing his identity at a protest in Portsmouth, after police warned they would arrest demonstrators using face masks and coverings.

Several hundred anti-migrant protesters marched through the city centre while anti-racism groups also made their way to Guildhall Square on Saturday.

Hampshire Police said Timothy Miller, 76, of Sherwood Avenue in Hedge End was charged with wearing or using an item to conceal identity at a protest. He is due before Portsmouth magistrates on Monday.

David McNally, 33, of Winchester Road in Portsmouth, was also charged with obstructing the highway and attempted criminal damage. He is due in court on 29 October.

Hampshire Police said on Friday it would use new powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prevent protesters wearing face coverings that conceal their identity.

Both sets of demonstrators were kept apart by police when they arrived at Guldhall Square.

The city centre protests followed disorder on 6 September when police attended Eastney Marina as hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants, who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy, from leaving the city.

A 16-year-old male from Waterlooville was also arrested at Saturday's protests on suspicion of violent disorder, in relation to the events at Eastney Marina.

He has been released on bail until 12 December.

Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer at the Eastney protest.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 September.