Police have released images of eight individuals they are seeking to identify following “criminal activity” at a protest outside a hotel accommodating migrants in Aldershot.
Hampshire Police reported that one of their officers sustained a minor injury during the disruption outside the Potters International Hotel on Wednesday evening. They indicated that a minority of the 200 people present at the protest began engaging in criminal activity at approximately 6.45pm, involving cases of criminal damage, racial abuse, and intimidation.
“As part of this investigation, officers are keen to identify the eight individuals shown in the images we have provided,” Hampshire Police said in a statement. “Do you recognise the individuals pictured? Do you have any information that could assist our investigation?”
Police are reviewing evidence from their officers’ body-worn cameras, footage captured by the National Police Air Service, and local CCTV cameras. There have been several incidents of unrest across the country after three girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport on Monday. However, police have not linked the disruption to the Southport attack.
Labour MP for Aldershot, Alex Baker, said the situation had been “exacerbated” by individuals from outside the local community “determined to cause unrest.” “There is no justification for disorderly behaviour and these scenes do not represent Aldershot and Farnborough,” she said. “We all support our shared right to peaceful protest, but we will not stand for people coming to our towns determined to stir up trouble and divide our community.”
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated: “The swift and decisive actions of our officers saw this incident brought under control, preventing further harm to the community in Aldershot. Our specialist teams are working hard to identify anyone who has committed a criminal offence and we will take swift and robust action against those individuals. Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, officers will take a robust stance against those whose behaviour falls below the standard we expect and who choose to act outside of the law.”
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