Protesters wearing face coverings at protests planned in Portsmouth this weekend could be arrested under new policing powers, Hampshire Police has said.
Hampshire Police said it will use the new tactic under the Crime and Policing Act to “allow peaceful protest and prevent violence”.
Groups from South Coast Patriots have called for a peaceful march in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday afternoon, while Stand up to Racism will host a counter-protest march.
Anyone in the designated area wearing a face covering will be committing an offence and could be arrested for concealing their identity, the force said.
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It comes as a 42-year-old man has become the first to be arrested as part of an investigation into violent disorder in Portsmouth last weekend.
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