Officers investigating reports of public disorder at Aldershot protest make sixth and seventh arrests

Officers responding to public disorder which broke out during an initially peaceful protest in Aldershot have made their sixth and seventh arrests.

A protest took place outside the Potters International Hotel on Wednesday 31 July, 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.

Since this was reported, officers have been gathering evidence and today (6 August) arrested two men – bringing the total number of those arrested to seven.

A 19-year-old man from Ash has been arrested on suspicion of affray, burglary dwelling – with intent to steal, using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred, common assault of an emergency worker and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

A 40-year-old man from Farnborough has been arrested on suspicion of affray and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred.

They both remain in custody while our enquiries continue.

It comes after five men were arrested on suspicion of affray and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred:

• A 60-year-old man from Farnham
• A 32-year-old man from Farnborough
• A 28-year-old man from Farnham
• A 25-year-old man from Aldershot
• An 18-year-old man from Aldershot

These men have all been bailed with conditions while further enquiries continue and a file is submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Officers have now identified everyone they were looking to speak with in connection with the investigation. We would like to thank members of the public for sharing our appeals and for contacting us with information.

We are continuing to investigate the incident and are still appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage to come forward as it may help with our enquiries.

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

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/