UK police ban masks at Portsmouth anti-migrant protest

Police in Portsmouth, England, have banned face coverings at an anti-immigration rally and a counter-protest scheduled for Saturday, citing concerns over potential violence and disorder. Hampshire Police issued the mask ban to "reduce opportunities for violence, intimidation and criminality," following recent incidents of unrest. A separate order will allow officers to require individuals to remove items concealing their identity, with authorities stressing the powers will be applied impartially. The measures come less than a week after clashes in Portsmouth, where masked protesters tried to block asylum seekers from leaving, damaging vehicles and injuring officers. Similar demonstrations occurred in Dover, prompting political condemnation and new police powers last year.