Hampshire Police have released a rogues’ gallery of individuals they are seeking in connection with the recent outbreak of rioting outside the Potter International Hotel in Aldershot on Wednesday evening.
The images, issued by Hampshire Police, depict seven people wanted for questioning following the unrest, which saw criminal damage, intimidation, and racial abuse. The disturbances began around 6.45 pm, when a minority of the 200 people gathered for a protest engaged in criminal activity.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said, “Do you know the people pictured? Do you have any information that could assist our investigation?” Originally, eight images were released, but one individual has since been identified.
Police are currently reviewing evidence from body-worn cameras, National Police Air Service footage, and local CCTV cameras. They are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference 44240326041.
The riot, which erupted after a protest, is believed to have been exacerbated by individuals from outside the community. Alex Baker, Labour MP for Aldershot, stated, “This incident was exacerbated by people from outside our community who came here determined to cause unrest.”
Baker commended the police for their efforts to restore order and emphasized that such scenes do not represent Aldershot and Farnborough. “We all support our shared right to peacefully protest, but we will not stand for people coming to our towns determined to stir up trouble and divide our community,” she added.
Greater Manchester Unrest
The Aldershot incident follows similar unrest in Greater Manchester, where police have also released images of individuals wanted in connection with disturbances in the Newton Heath area. The Manchester protests, which took place outside a Holiday Inn, saw rocks and bottles hurled at officers.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson reported that two men, aged 18 and 25, were arrested for violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. Enquiries into an assault on a bus driver are ongoing.
National Concerns
A number of incidents of unrest have broken out across the country, including in Hartlepool and London, following the murder of three young girls in a horrifying knife attack in Southport. The teenager charged with their murder has been named as Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana.
While police have not linked the Aldershot disturbance to the Southport attack, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed a crackdown on those rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbings. Home Office Minister Lord Hanson warned potential rioters to “be prepared to face the full force of the law.
Lord Hanson emphasized the use of intelligence-led policing and facial recognition technology to track and prosecute those organizing or participating in violent protests. “We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organizing this now and to take action accordingly,” he said.
Community Impact
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated, “The swift and decisive actions of our officers last night saw this incident brought under control, preventing further harm to the community in Aldershot.”
He added, “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.”
Police are continuing their efforts to maintain order and reassure residents. They urge anyone with information related to the incidents to come forward.
For more information, updates, and to view the images of those wanted, visit the Hampshire Police website or contact their tip line.
