PORTSMOUTH, England — Protesters who conceal their identities with masks or other face coverings could face arrest in Portsmouth this weekend as Hampshire Police introduces additional public-order powers ahead of two planned demonstrations.
The restrictions will run from 9am on Saturday, September 12, until 9am on Sunday, September 13, following violent disorder near Eastney last weekend after migrants travelling in a small boat were brought ashore.
South Coast Patriots has called for a march in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday afternoon, while Stand Up To Racism is expected to hold a counter-protest. Police say the new measures are intended to protect lawful protest while giving officers stronger options to prevent violence, intimidation and criminal damage.
BREAKING: Hampshire Police have said they will now use powers to arrest anyone wearing a face covering at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth this weekend pic.twitter.com/MrcgKIFIcW
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 11, 2026
Face-covering restrictions take effect Saturday
The measure is not a general mask ban across Portsmouth. It applies within a designated protest area and targets the use of masks, face coverings or other items for the purpose of concealing identity during protest activity.
Under the UK government’s Crime and Policing Act 2026 public-order guidance, police can designate a locality when they reasonably believe a protest is taking place or may take place, offences have occurred or are likely, and the designation could help prevent or control offending.
The offence can carry a maximum penalty of one month in prison, a £1,000 fine, or both. The legislation also recognises legitimate reasons for face coverings, including health, religious observance and work.
Police can order protesters to remove coverings
A separate Section 60AA authorisation will also be in force, allowing officers to require people to remove items they reasonably believe are being worn mainly to conceal identity. Failure to comply with a lawful requirement can result in arrest.
Police have stressed that the powers will apply equally to groups attending Saturday’s demonstrations and are not intended to stop peaceful protest.
The security concerns around the Portsmouth operation have extended beyond the streets. RNLI volunteers faced abuse following the Portsmouth migrant operation, with the charity reviewing safety guidance after volunteers were targeted online.
Weekend measures follow disorder near Eastney
The restrictions follow Sunday’s confrontation after a small boat carrying migrants towards the Hampshire coast prompted a maritime response. The migrants were intercepted, brought ashore and later transported for immigration processing.
Reports have differed over the exact number involved, with figures ranging from about 120 to around 140. More than 200 demonstrators were later reported around Eastney as roads were blocked and police mounted a major public-order operation.
Police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged during the disruption. A small number of officers were treated for injuries, although police said nobody attending was seriously injured.
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42-year-old man arrested as investigation continues
A 42-year-old man from Paulsgrove was arrested early Friday on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty. Police said investigators identified him after reviewing footage from Sunday’s protest.
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson described the arrest as the first of several anticipated in connection with the disorder, indicating that officers are continuing to examine video and other evidence.
The Hampshire Police Federation separately said bricks and stones were thrown at officers and that two officers were pushed from a police motorbike during the confrontation.
False migrant claims have added to tensions in Portsmouth
The atmosphere in the city was highlighted again when Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team was mistakenly identified as asylum seekers after arriving at a Portsmouth hotel. Police attended after a crowd gathered and later clarified that the guests were young cricketers taking part in a scheduled tour.
The incident showed how unverified claims circulating online can quickly create real-world security concerns, particularly while tensions around migration and small-boat arrivals remain high.
Residents should expect a significant police presence
Saturday’s demonstrations will put the temporary restrictions into practical use while the investigation into last weekend remains active.
For residents and visitors, the key distinction is that the measure is not a citywide prohibition on masks. It applies within the designated protest locality and focuses on concealment of identity, with legal protections remaining for legitimate health, religious and work-related use.
With opposing demonstrations expected, officers will be focused on keeping participants and the wider community safe, maintaining access around the city and preventing a repeat of the violence and disruption seen near Eastney.
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