Man Arrested After Police Deploy Dispersal Order at Portswood Protest

A dispersal order was put in place by local police ahead of a planned protest in Portswood on Friday, 21 November, giving officers additional powers to manage any anti-social or unlawful behaviour during the event.

The order, which ran from 4pm to 9pm, covered Highfield Lane, Shaftesbury Avenue, Portswood High Street and extended to Thomas Lewis Way. It allowed officers to direct anyone acting outside the bounds of lawful protest to leave the designated area and not return for the duration of the order. Those who ignored the direction faced the risk of arrest.

Police have now issued an update on the action taken during the evening. Officers made one arrest and used the dispersal powers once.

A man in his 30s was ordered to leave the area after officers observed behaviour they believed was intended to intimidate others. Later in the evening, a 47 year old Southampton man was seen displaying what police described as “inappropriate messages” on a sign. Officers initially attempted to resolve the matter using the dispersal order, but the man was subsequently arrested.

He was detained on suspicion of possessing a Class B controlled drug, failing to give his name or address, and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.

Police say an Evidence Gathering Team recorded footage throughout the protest. The material will be reviewed to determine whether any further offences were committed, and officers have stated they will take action where appropriate.