A heavy police presence has been reported in Gosport, England, as officers respond to a developing situation involving a reported small-boat crossing in the English Channel and a gathering in the town.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said on Sunday, October 4, that officers had been deployed to Gosport to support partner agencies in the event of an emergency at sea and to facilitate peaceful protest. Police said they were aware of a group gathering in the area and had introduced several powers to protect local communities and people taking part in demonstrations.
Under a Section 14 order, people seeking to gather have been directed to a designated area inside Walpole car park. The restriction is scheduled to remain in place until 4 p.m. Monday, October 5. Police warned that failure to comply with the conditions could constitute a criminal offence and lead to arrest.
Additional public-order powers have also been introduced in parts of Gosport and Portsmouth. Police said these measures include restrictions concerning face coverings used to conceal identities during protest activity. Officers have powers to require people to remove such coverings in specified circumstances.
A dispersal order covering Gosport has also been implemented. Under the order, officers can direct people to leave the designated area and prevent them from returning for a specified period. The order is due to remain in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday, October 6.
The heightened police operation follows another small-boat incident in the area in September, when a large gathering developed after people were reportedly expected to be transported to Gosport.
At this stage, authorities have not reported a confirmed violent threat or indicated that Gosport is under a general lockdown. Residents are advised to follow police instructions and avoid restricted areas while the operation continues.