Statement from Police and Crime Commissioner following Portsmouth protests

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I’m pleased that today’s protests in Portsmouth took place without major issue.

“Thankfully we didn’t see repeated scenes of Sunday night with assaults on police officers and criminal damage to police vehicles and people’s property.

“Hundreds of people took part in today’s protest, and with the exception of a few people, it was peaceful and conducted in accordance with the new law calling for their faces to be uncovered.

“The people of Portsmouth deserve to go about their business without fear and disruption.

“While some may think it was arbitrary to use the new power directing people to remove face-coverings, the police ensured it was implemented equally and impartially for everyone involved.

“I will ensure this power is used proportionately in the future for both sides of the spectrum of protestors.

“Hundreds of officers were needed to ensure today’s event passed peacefully.

“I want to thank Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for their hard work and professionalism in ensuring the city of Portsmouth and local people remained a safe place to be, especially on a weekend.”