Police release images of six men sought after violent disorder in Portsmouth

Police have released images of six men they would like to speak to after violent disorder in Portsmouth last week that left seven officers injured.About 200 people gathered at Eastney Marina on Sunday night after a small boat carrying Asylum seekers arrived on the south coast having crossed the Channel. The activists dispersed the following day in the early hours.Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said seven police officers were injured and treated at the scene, while vehicles belonging to the Coastguard and Border Force were damaged.The force said it reviewed “hundreds of hours’ worth” of footage from the disorder and released images of six men it believes “can assist our investigation”.The first person charged in connection with the demonstration in the city appeared in court on Saturday morning.Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, appeared at the city’s magistrates court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable.A 16-year-old boy from Waterlooville was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with last Sunday’s events. He has been released on bail until 12 December.Anti-Immigration activists returned to the streets of Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon, where they faced counter-protests from anti-racism groups.Tony Rowlinson, assistant chief constable, said the scenes at Eastney Marina had gone beyond peaceful protest. “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest,” he said. “Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder.”Rowlinson said officers had worked to protect people in the area and warned that police would pursue those responsible after reviewing footage.“The reality of public order policing is that arrests at the time are not always possible, especially where evidence may need to be reviewed to clearly identify who is responsible for offences,” he said.He added that none of the seven injured officers had been seriously hurt, but said they “did not deserve to be assaulted” while policing the demonstration.Police also said they were investigating online threats and abuse directed at officers and staff from partner agencies after the disorder.The force has appealed to anyone who recognises the six men to contact police on 101 or report information online, quoting reference 44260435943.Rowlinson said: “If you break the law we will take action against you and where it is feasible to do so seek a prosecution.”