Portsmouth police enforce face covering ban at protests

Hampshire Police are enforcing new legal powers to ban face coverings at planned anti-migrant and counter-protests in Portsmouth this weekend, following violent disorder in the city last week. The force said anyone wearing a face covering within a designated area could face arrest under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025. The powers are in effect from 10am on Saturday, September 12, until 10am on Sunday, September 13. The designated area covers Southsea, Eastney, Old Portsmouth, and the city centre. A Section 60AA order is also in place, giving officers the authority to require individuals to remove items used to conceal their identity. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated the powers are not intended to prevent protest but to help prevent crime and disorder. "We have listened to the concerns of our communities and know how intimidated they feel when they see masked groups descend on their neighbourhoods," he said. "This is why we are making use of these new policing powers, to ensure we have every tactic at our disposal, should we need it.