Three charged after Gosport migrant boat protest

Three people have been charged following a protest after reports that a group of migrants crossing the English Channel could be taken to shore in Gosport.

Hampshire Police deployed officers to the town on Tuesday evening “to help facilitate peaceful protest, ensure the safety of the local community and support partners in the event of any emergency at sea”.

Six people were arrested during the evening on suspected offences including assault of an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence.

A total of 51 migrants were ultimately taken to Dover after their boat, which had traveled to the UK from France, was intercepted.

Shannon Dodds, 32, of Leonard Road, Gosport, has been charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Sally Pearson, 31, of Forton Road, Gosport, has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence.

Both have been remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Toby Matthews, 33, also of Forton Road, was charged with common assault of an emergency worker. He has been bailed to appear in court on 9 November.

A 19-year-old man and a 36-year-old man, both from Salisbury, who were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass have been bailed with conditions until 22 December while inquiries continue.

A 67-year-old man from Gosport was given a fixed penalty notice for driving without due care and attention, police said.

He was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and has been bailed with conditions until 22 December.