Investigation after Aldershot protest

Investigations are underway to take action against those who sparked disruption in Aldershot on Wednesday night.

Police say a protest took place outside the Potters International Hotel and the majority of attendees gathered in a peaceful manner.

In a statement, Hampshire Police reveal at around 6.45pm a minority of the 200 people present got involved in criminal activity, throwing objects and subjecting people to racial abuse.

Officers were able to disperse the group quickly.

One officer suffered a minor injury as a result of the disruption.

An investigation has been launched to identify those responsible. It will include reviewing evidence from officers’ body-worn cameras, footage captured by colleagues at National Police Air Service and CCTV cameras in the local area.

This is taking place alongside enquiries with witnesses at the scene and engagement within the local community.

The force is appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage to come forward.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said: “The swift and decisive actions of our officers last night saw this incident brought under control, preventing further harm to the community in Aldershot.

“Our role is to protect people’s lawful right to protest, while also preventing serious disorder and disruption to the local community and this is what happened last night.

“It is totally unacceptable to turn that lawful right into criminal acts including incidents of criminal damage, racial abuse and intimidation. This will not be tolerated in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

“Our specialist teams are working hard to identify anyone who has committed a criminal offence and we will take swift and robust action against those people.

“Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, officers will take a robust stance against those whose behaviour falls below the standard we expect and who choose to act outside of the law.”

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