Man in court following anti-migrant protests

A man accused of throwing a bottle at police during disorder at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth has appeared in court.

Police attended Eastney Marina on 6 September after hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants, who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy, from leaving the city.

Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 September.

Prosecutor Lucy Paddick told the court he was accused of throwing a bottle towards a police line during the protests.

He was also 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.

There is a large police presence in Portsmouth city centre where several hundred anti-migrant protesters have begun a march, while rival demonstrators holding Stand up to Racism and Refugees Welcome banners have also assembled nearby.

Hampshire Police earlier warned that protesters wearing face coverings could face arrest.

The force said it would 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 10:00 BST on Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday.

Staffordshire Police also said it would ban the use of face coverings at a planned protest in Tamworth on Saturday, where Britain First has said it will carry out a so-called March for Remigration.

Northumbria Police has a similar ban in place in Newcastle city centre.

Hampshire Police previously said several of its vehicles, alongside those of the coastguard and Border Force, were damaged during the disruption in Eastney, which lasted until the early hours of Monday.