Officers launch investigation following Aldershot protest

Investigations are underway today to take action against those who sparked disruption in Aldershot last night (31 July).

A protest took place outside the Potters International Hotel and as with previous protests at this site, the majority of attendees gathered in a peaceful manner.

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

Our officers were swiftly on scene and were able to disperse the group quickly.

Sadly, one of our officers suffered a minor injury as a result of the disruption.

We have immediately instigated a thorough investigation to identify those responsible which includes reviewing evidence from our officers’ body-worn cameras, footage captured by our colleagues at National Police Air Service and CCTV cameras in the local area.

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

As part of that ongoing work, we’re appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage to come forward as it may help with our enquiries. Were you in the area last night? Did you witness the incident? Do you have any footage which may help the investigation?

If you have relevant footage, please submit it via this link or scan the QR code below: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC24N06-PO1

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.

“As ever, we continue to speak to our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to ensure we have our teams where they need to be and we are constantly reviewing our patrol plans to reassure residents.

“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.”

Anyone with information please contact 101 and quote 44240326041. Alternatively, you can also make a report via our website here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/