Police identify one of eight people sought after violence at Aldershot protest
Hampshire Police said a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel became involved in the disruption.
Police have identified a woman who was one of eight people being sought after protesters threw objects and shouted racist abuse at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot, which left one officer injured.
Hampshire Police said a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.
Appealing for witnesses, a spokesman said: “Investigations are under way today to take action against those who sparked disruption in Aldershot.
“Unfortunately, at around 6.45pm, a minority of the 200 people present got involved in criminal activity, throwing objects and subjecting people to racial abuse.
“Our officers were swiftly on scene and were able to disperse the group quickly.
“We have immediately instigated a thorough investigation to identify those responsible, which includes reviewing evidence from our officers’ body-worn cameras, footage captured by our colleagues at National Police Air Service and CCTV cameras in the local area.
“This is taking place alongside our inquiries with witnesses at the scene and engagement within the local community.”
“Our role is to protect people’s lawful right to protest, while also preventing serious disorder and disruption to the local community and this is what happened last night.
“It is totally unacceptable to turn that lawful right into criminal acts including incidents of criminal damage, racial abuse and intimidation. This will not be tolerated in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
“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 people.
“As ever, we continue to speak to our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to ensure we have our teams where they need to be and we are constantly reviewing our patrol plans to reassure residents.
“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.”
In a statement posted on X, she wrote: “I have been liaising with Hampshire Police this evening regarding a significant incident at Potter’s International Hotel in Aldershot, where a peaceful protest descended into intimidating behaviour.
“I have visited the scene myself this evening and have been in close touch with the Chief Inspector.
“This incident was exacerbated by people from outside our community who came here determined to cause unrest.
“There is no justification for disorderly behaviour and these scenes do not represent Aldershot and Farnborough.
“We all support our shared right to peacefully protest, but we will not stand for people coming to our towns determined to stir up trouble and divide our community.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting 44240326041. You can also make a report at www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
