Man to appear in court over violent disorder at anti-migrant protests

The first man charged over anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth will appear in court as more demonstrations take place on Saturday.

Groups from South Coast Patriots are expected to demonstrate in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday afternoon, with Stand up to Racism set to host a counter protest.

They come on the same day as a 42-year-old man is expected to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court after being arrested during the violent protests last weekend.

Del Leon Somerville, of Paulsgrove, has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said the arrest of Somerville is the “first of what we fully anticipate to be a number of arrests” and hoped it would send a “clear warning” to those planning future disruption and disorder.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met police bosses on Thursday to get reassurance they are ready to move quickly in dealing with “far-right groups” seeking to intimidate communities following the events in Dover and Portsmouth last weekend.

Overnight last Sunday, crowds gathered at Eastney Marina following a dinghy’s arrival after crossing the English Channel.

Official vehicles were damaged and a small number of police officers were injured at the scene, Hampshire Police said.

Around 200 people were dispersed at around 4am on Monday morning.

In Dover, crowds of masked men blocked road access to the port last Saturday, in scenes which were condemned by politicians of all parties.

Ms Mahmood said: “These scenes have caused disruption for people and, given that people are dressed in black wearing balaclavas, there is a fear factor and obvious malign intent being communicated to our residents.

“This makes it different from other protests, so we need to make sure we are learning lessons.”

Hampshire Police has warned that protesters wearing face coverings at the protests this weekend could face arrest.

The force said it will use the powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 to “allow peaceful protest and prevent violence”.

The powers will apply to anyone involved in protests within a map area designated by police between 10am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday, and could be arrested for concealing their identity.

Published: 12/09/2026 by Radio NewsHub