Dispersal Order in Effect in Portswood Amid Protests

Police have implemented a dispersal order in parts of Portswood this afternoon and evening, as a measure to manage protests taking place in Highfield Lane.

The order, which runs from 2:00pm today (19 December) until midnight, covers Highfield Lane, Shaftesbury Avenue, Portswood High Street, and down to Thomas Lewis Way. Under the order, officers have the power to require anyone behaving in an anti-social or unlawful manner to leave the area.

Southampton authorities emphasised that the measure does not restrict the right to lawful protest or freedom of speech. “Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and to engage in lawful protest, however if you do choose to behave anti-socially or outside the confines of the law, then we will take action,” said a spokesperson.

Police have stated that public safety remains their top priority, and they are continuing to liaise with protest organisers, local residents, and community partners to ensure the operation runs smoothly.