Road blocked as rival protests march through Southampton

Rival marches have taken place in Southampton, with police blocking a main road to keep the demonstrators apart.

Anti-immigration demonstrators gathered in the Portswood area shortly after 13:00 GMT, while counter-protesters began a march nearby.

Police sealed off part of Portswood Road to keep the rival groups apart as they headed to the city centre, with traffic and public transport disrupted.

Hampshire Constabulary said one man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence after reports of a bottle being thrown from a footbridge. No injuries were reported.

The 45-year-old from Southampton remains in police custody.

Ahead of the protests, restrictions had been imposed under the Public Order Act over specific routes and conditions.

Several hundred anti-immigration protesters, many waving union and St George’s flags began marching towards Hoglands Park in the city centre.

A counter protest of anti-racism demonstrators assembled, before a separate planned gathering in the city centre.

The two groups came within about 50m of each other, on either side of a police cordon of vans and officers on horseback on Portswood Road.

A second flashpoint at Thomas Lewis Way and Lodge Road saw police holding back anti-immigration protesters.

Thomas Lewis Way was also closed for a time while protesters passed.

Officers from Kent and Thames Valley forces had been brought in to support Hampshire Constabulary.

Police estimated 600 people had been involved in the anti-racism march, with 400 taking part in the counter demonstration.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said the policing operation had been “a success”.

“In what was a very complex and fast-moving situation, officers remained professional throughout and I would like to thank every officer who worked today.

“We recognise that events of this nature can cause disruption to daily routines, travel and local services.

“The public’s understanding and support played a vital role in ensuring the event remained peaceful and safe for those involved,” he said.

On Friday, police and crime commissioner Donna Jones revealed more than £100,000 was spent in August alone to provide a police presence at anti-immigration demonstrations in Portsmouth and Southampton.

Speaking during a meeting of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel, Ms Jones said “significant police planning” went in to such events.

“In areas where protests happen regularly, they take up a huge amount of police time and resources,” she added.

Additional reporting by Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporting Service