Man, 76, arrested for ‘covering face amid mask ban’ at Portsmouth anti-migrant protest

A MAN has been arrested for covering his face at an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth. Hampshire Police had warned anyone “concealing their identity” would be arrested at the protest – which saw thousands descend on the city. Hampshire Police warned anyone ‘concealing their identity’ would be arrested at the demonstration Credit: X/@I_amMukhtar A man was seen wearing what appeared to be black scarves tied across his face and head Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Cops were forced to intervene as anti-migrant protesters were met with Stand Up to Racism campaigners on the south coast. Hundreds of officers formed a barrier to separate both groups to each side of the popular Guildhall Square. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! A man in the area, wearing what appeared to be black scarves tied across his face and head, was pictured in handcuffs this afternoon. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary later said a pensioner, 76, was arrested on suspicion of wearing an item to conceal identity at a protest. Hundreds of officers formed a barrier to separate both groups to each side of the popular Guildhall Square Credit: Getty Thousands descended on Portsmouth for the protesters today Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The force confirmed it would use its new powers to ban masks in a designated area within a 24-hour window. Today’s face-covering arrest is the first to be made using these powers, which are enforced under the Crime and Policing Act. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood demanded police chiefs make “full use” of new powers allowing them to ban face coverings at protests. Across the UK, Nottingham has become the first city to confirm a ban on face coverings, with the rules set to come into play on Tuesday. Most read in The Sun It means cops can ask people to remove face coverings if they “reasonably believe” it is being used to commit a crime or antisocial behaviour. Refusal to remove it may result in a £70 on-the-spot fine or potential prosecution – with a maximum penalty of £1,000. However, this does not include face coverings for “legitimate reasons” including religious, cultural, health or personal reasons. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has backed a ban on face coverings, describing them as “a menace”. Opposing demonstrators held Stand Up to Racism and Refugees Welcome banners Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Protests and counter-protests have also descended on other UK cities Credit: Chris Gorman He told The Telegraph: “Facial coverings, quite frankly, are not the British way. Let’s ban them in public once and for all.” A 33-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. Both arrests are in relation to chaotic scenes last Sunday, it is understood. Police yesterday said they will not tolerate protesters “whose only aim is to create fear and incite violence”. Police had confirmed ahead of today’s chaos that it would use its new powers to ban masks Credit: AFP via Getty Images Cops were forced to intervene as rival protesters descended on the south coast Credit: Getty Protesters initially gathered at All Saints Church in the city centre just after midday, as chants of “stop the boats” rang out. A man with a megaphone addressing the crowd said the protesters were reportedly against “illegal men invading the shores”. Opposing demonstrators held Stand Up to Racism and Refugees Welcome banners, with signs including “RNLI are heroes, no-one is illegal”. Protests and counter-protests have also descended on other UK cities including Newcastle and Glasgow. Speaking near the demonstration, Dennis Wills, 82, said he wanted to “stop the boats” but said he was upset about the anti-RNLI sentiment. Mr Wills, who has lived in Portsmouth his whole life, told The Sun: “I want to stop the boats but the RNLI are getting a horrid time. “They are just called in to save life, when the boats come in. Remember, they are volunteers, I have supported them for decades. “People need to realise they are just saving life, with no questions asked. “I don’t like the growing anger against them, especially after their involvement on Sunday at Eastney Marina. “That said, we must stop the boats. We can’t have these people just arriving in the country. Personally, they don’t give a fig for our counter.” Today’s demonstration comes days after hundreds of anti-migrant protesters clashed with police last Sunday. Chaotic scenes were sparked when 140 Channel migrants were brought ashore by the RNLI at Portsmouth’s Eastney Marina. Demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to stop coaches carrying the migrants from leaving the city on Sunday night. Vehicles were damaged and a small number of officers injured following the disorder which the government branded “thuggish”. RNLI volunteers have since been warned not to wear charity-branded clothing following “unacceptable abuse” from anti-migrant protesters. As the brave lifeboat crews returned to shore, they were branded “traitors” and met with abuse from the balaclava-clad crowd. One shouted: “Look at these guys absolute traitors to this country. Look at the state of you.” Protests have also been held at sites belonging to the charity, including an anti-migrant gathering outside the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. The RNLI has now issued security advice for its hardworking staff in the wake of protests in Portsmouth and Dover. The protesters have also been accused of launching rocks and bricks at cops who were “caught off guard” during the clashes on Sunday.