A 42-year-old man has been charged following violent disorder at an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth on 6 September, when hundreds of protesters attempted to block coaches carrying migrants from leaving the city. Del Leon Somerville, from Paulsgrove, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court facing charges of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer, and was remanded in custody pending a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 September.
The disorder erupted at Eastney Marina after demonstrators sought to prevent the departure of coaches transporting migrants who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy. According to , approximately 140 migrants had arrived, though initial reports cited 120. Police dispersed around 200 people from the scene, and a national broadcaster reported that a dispersal order was in force, meaning anyone refusing to comply could face arrest.
Prosecutor Lucy Paddick outlined the allegations against Somerville during his court appearance. She told the court that he was accused of throwing a bottle towards a police line during the protests and was allegedly heard shouting an expletive as the bottle was thrown. Somerville was also accused of kicking out at a police officer, making contact with his right thigh. He did not enter any plea during his appearance.
The Portsmouth demonstration was part of a broader wave of anti-immigration protests across England over the weekend, with Portsmouth emerging as one of the most significant flashpoints, according to reporting. The disorder at Eastney, which lasted until the early hours of Monday, resulted in damage to several police vehicles as well as those belonging to the coastguard and Border Force. A small number of officers sustained injuries at the scene, though no-one in attendance was seriously hurt.
What police powers are in place?
Hampshire Police has implemented measures under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 to manage further demonstrations expected in Portsmouth city centre, with South Coast Patriots planning to demonstrate and Stand Up To Racism organising a counter-protest. The force has warned that protesters wearing face coverings could face arrest, with the powers applying to anyone involved in protests within a designated map area between 10:00 BST on Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday. Similar bans on face coverings have been announced by Staffordshire Police for a planned protest in Tamworth where Britain First has said it will hold a so-called March for Remigration, and by Northumbria Police in Newcastle city centre.
What is the status of the investigation?
Hampshire Police had launched an investigation into the disorder before Somerville's arrest, with authorities stating that no arrests had initially been made but offenders responsible for assaults, criminal damage and other offences would be identified. The force indicated that the investigation was ongoing, suggesting further arrests could follow as officers continue to identify those involved in the violence.
What happened before the Portsmouth protest?
The disorder in Portsmouth followed a separate anti-migrant protest at the Port of Dover on 5 September, as tensions over migrant arrivals escalated across the south coast.
Key Facts
- Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove, was charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer following the 6 September protest at Eastney Marina
- He was remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 September and did not enter a plea at his magistrates court appearance
- The protest involved hundreds of demonstrators attempting to block coaches carrying migrants from leaving Portsmouth, resulting in damage to police, coastguard and Border Force vehicles
- Hampshire Police has implemented face-covering bans under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 for designated protest areas between 10:00 BST Saturday and 10:00 Sunday
- The investigation remains ongoing with further arrests possible as police identify additional offenders involved in the violence
