Police impose face covering ban for Gosport protests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Police will ban face coverings during protest and counter-protest in Gosport on Sunday.

Police will enforce a face covering ban and dispersal order during planned protests in Gosport on Sunday, 25 October. The measures operate between 10am and 8pm in a designated area of the town.

A march and static counter-protest are scheduled for the day. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it had liaised with organisers and would deploy appropriate resources to protect attendees and the wider community.

A dispersal order authorised under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows officers to direct anyone suspected of anti-social behaviour to leave the designated area. Officers can also seize items used in anti-social behaviour. Refusing a dispersal order is a criminal offence punishable by arrest. Additional powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allow officers to prohibit face coverings used to conceal identity.

How it is being reported

• Gosport protests: Police ban face coverings and issue dispersal order in preparation for anti-migrant protest and counter protestPolice are preparing for protest in Gosport on SundayThe News, Portsmouth · 24 Oct, 10:38
• Face covering ban to be enforced during protests this weekendOfficers will use dispersal powers and restrictions on face coverings during a protest march and counter-protest in Gosport this Sunday.Southern Daily Echo · 24 Oct, 10:21

In this story: Gosport · Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

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