No incidents reported during Southampton marches, says district commander

Two marches that took place in Southampton on Sunday, 1 March, passed without incident, police have confirmed.

Officers escorted the two groups along their routes into the city centre, temporarily diverting traffic to ensure the marches could proceed safely and without obstruction. Police say the measures were put in place to minimise disruption while protecting both those taking part and the wider community.

District Commander Superintendent Alex Charge thanked attendees and residents for their cooperation and patience.

In a full statement issued following the events, Superintendent Charge said:

“I want to thank everyone who attended the two marches in Southampton yesterday (1 March) and the wider public for their patience as we escorted the two groups on their routes into the city centre.

It was pleasing that no incidents occurred during the events, with all attending focused on lawfully exercising their right to have their voice heard, while also working with our commanders to ensure minimal disruption to other people’s days.

During the marches, we did have to temporarily divert traffic in some roads as the groups moved along their routes, which was to ensure they did not become blocked.

I know there are some who do question why the police need to be present for such events, and the answer is because we have a duty to do so; for the safety of those attending, and of our wider community.

We will continue to ensure the law is upheld impartially at these events, without fear or favour, and that people’s right to gather is maintained.

While we had no incidents during the marches on Sunday, our teams did have to use dispersal powers prior to them beginning. Officers identified three people arriving at the initial gatherings, who were already shouting about starting fights. These three men were not from Hampshire, and a decision was made to implement and enforce a dispersal order to ensure they left the area without being able to follow through on their stated plans.

Our position remains the same as it has been since protests began last summer. We have no wish to prevent people’s lawful right to gather and have their voice heard, but where this strays into anti-social or other criminal behaviour, then we will take the appropriate action.

Thank you again to all who attended for working with our officers on Sunday and to the wider community for your patience and understanding.”

Police confirmed that dispersal powers were used before the marches began after three men, who were not from Hampshire, were heard shouting about starting fights. Officers enforced a dispersal order to prevent any potential disorder.

Superintendent Charge reiterated that while police support the lawful right to protest, action will be taken where behaviour crosses into anti-social or criminal conduct.