Police have arrested a 41-year-old man after a protest at an asylum seeker hotel in Southampton saw a group behaving in a ‘threatening manner and pushing at fencing’.
For more than 20 weeks, a group known as the Southampton Patriots have been conducting anti-asylum protests outside the Highfield House Hotel on Highfield Lane.
After a protest on October 18, a small group returned to the hotel and police have said the group began behaving in a threatening way, with some attendees pushing on the fence outside.
A police spokesperson said: “As part of an investigation into an incident following a protest outside Highfield House Hotel, we have arrested a man.
“The incident occurred around 6.15pm on Friday, October 18, last year, when, after the conclusion of a protest, a group returned to the hotel, behaving in a threatening manner and pushing at fencing.
“Since then, we have conducted enquiries, including a review of available footage, and consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Yesterday, January 29, a 41-year-old man from Southampton was been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
“He has been released on bail while our enquiries continue.”
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In the wake of the arrest, a group of around 15 patriots staged a demonstration on the steps and in the lobby of Southampton Central Police Station.
Officers confirmed the group was gathered lawfully and there were no issues, with police speaking to the group having no concerns.
In a video shared on Facebook the group came dressed in union flags and the St George’s Cross while using mega phones and flagpoles to make their statement.
Despite the frequent nature of the protests at the Highfield House Hotel, it is believed this is the first arrest that has been linked withy the demonstrations.
Brian Stovell was in attendance at the Southampton Central Police Station protest.
He said on Facebook: “I outside Southampton Police Station with a group of patriots, I have been asked to come here and film one of our guys, who is having to go in there today.
“He’s got his supporters with him and I am one of them. “