Police warn that wearing face coverings at Portsmouth protest may lead to arrest
Hampshire Police say anyone wearing a face covering at the upcoming Portsmouth demonstration could be arrested under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act.
Ahead of Saturday’s protest in Portsmouth, officers will enforce a Section 60AA order that allows them to demand removal of face coverings. The measure follows planned rallies by the South Coast Patriots and a counter-demonstration by Stand up to Racism. The powers are in effect from 9 am Saturday until 9 am Sunday, after recent violent disorder during anti-migrant protests. A 42-year-old man was previously arrested for violent disorder and assaulting a constable linked to last weekend’s unrest.
Why it matters
The notice warns protest participants that face coverings could result in arrest, affecting how they plan to demonstrate.
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