Southampton Demonstrations: Key individual networks (KINS) update from A/Inspector Richards, Southampton North Neighbourhood Policing Team – Monday 9 February 2026

“Dear Kins

I wanted to update you following the activity involving both protestors and counter‑protestors on Friday, 6th February 2026, outside The Highfield House Hotel.

For this event, we had a policing plan in place that included a Section 34 authorisation under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This authorisation allowed officers to use Section 35 dispersal powers if required. A dispersal order gives police the temporary power to direct individuals to leave a designated area if their behaviour, or the likelihood of their behaviour, could cause harassment, alarm, distress, crime, or disorder.  The purpose of a dispersal order is not to stop lawful protest, but to provide flexibility to deal quickly with behaviour that risks escalating into disorder or causing harm to the community.

Officers engaged with all groups present and the event remained peaceful. Dispersal powers were not needed and no arrests were made.

We will continue to closely monitor any future activity connected to this location. Where behaviour meets the legal threshold for further conditions or enforcement, we will use those powers proportionately to maintain safety and public order while ensuring people can exercise their lawful right to protest.

If you have any concerns or information you wish to share, you can contact us via:

• Online reporting
  • 101 (non-emergency)
  • 999 (emergency only)

Contact your local policing team | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Yozanne

A/Inspector 21260 Yozanne Richards

Southampton North Neighbourhood Policing Team

Portswood Police Station  ”

We want to know what it’s like to live in your area – What issues you are facing and how we can work with others to make you feel safer?  Let us know by completing our Let’s Talk survey https://survey.hampshirealert.co.uk/