Hampshire Police to arrest face-covered protesters at Portsmouth weekend rallies

Hampshire Police will arrest protesters wearing face coverings at weekend demonstrations in Portsmouth, using new powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 to prevent violence and allow peaceful protest. The measure applies to a designated area from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday, covering planned marches by South Coast Patriots and Stand up to Racism. Police said the tactic follows last weekend's violent disorder, where vehicles were damaged and officers injured. A 42-year-old man has been arrested as the first suspect in that investigation, with more arrests expected. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met police chiefs Thursday to ensure readiness against far-right groups after similar incidents in Dover.