Man charged over Gosport migrant protest

Man charged over Gosport migrant protest A man has been charged after a protest concerning migrant arrivals in a Hampshire town. The Home Office said 149 migrants were picked up on Sunday during a mid‑Channel rescue operation by the RNLI, together with a French vessel, and were brought ashore at Gosport. Flares were set off and there were scuffles with police during a stand‑off involving about 150 anti‑migrant demonstrators. Jamie Bennett has been charged with failing to comply with a prohibited assembly direction. The 38‑year‑old, of Thyme Avenue in Whiteley, Fareham, has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 26 November. Police made 12 arrests following the protest on Haslar Road: 11 men aged between 22 and 59, and a 57‑year‑old woman. Suspected offences included assaulting police officers, affray and racially aggravated public order. The remaining 10 men and one woman have been bailed pending further inquiries.