Portsmouth bans face masks at protests as rival marches take place

Rival protests occurred in Portsmouth as new police powers banning face coverings at demonstrations took effect, with anti-migrant and counter-protesters marching through the city center. Large police presence separated the groups, and no participants wore masks when marches began. The measures, introduced under the Crime and Policing Act, aim to prevent violence and disorder following unrest on 6 September, when hundreds blocked roads to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants from leaving Eastney Marina. Up to 500 anti-migrant protesters chanted "stop the boats," while about 300 joined the counter-protest. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said powers would be enforced impartially, not to prevent protest but to reduce crime and make communities safer. Police vehicles were damaged during prior disruption, and RNLI volunteers faced social media targeting.