HUNDREDS of rioters clashed with police after a man was arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communications with a child.
Shocking footage posted on social media last night showed crowds swarming around officers in Havant, Hampshire, as the 38-year-old was taken into custody.
Rioters swarmed around cops
They clashed with some officers escorting the man into a police van
Riot police were called in to escort the 38-year-old as he was taken into custody
Chants of “paedo” could be heard as cops armed with riot shields escorted the man into a police van.
One woman shouts “don’t protect the f***ing paedos, protect the kids”, as the vehicle drives off.
The mob then surrounds the police van before it is able to set off down the road.
Projectiles were launched as officers lined up and formed barricades to transport the man into the van.
Police confirmed that they were met with a crowd of roughly 100 people, before a dispersal order was put in place.
The carnage is believed to have erupted after a group of vigilante paedo hunters confronted a man they accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
The group have since shared a statement on Facebook slamming the unrest as “totally unacceptable”.
Chief Inspector Alex Charge, of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, also condemned the “unacceptable scenes”.
He said: “Disorder as was seen last night will not be tolerated.
“As a police service we are committed to protecting vulnerable people – that includes children, and we know that the community feel very passionately about this also.
“It can cause real fear for residents, damage property and seriously impede our police officers who are working really hard to carry out their duties, make arrests and keep people safe.
“Officers attended quickly and robustly last night but were confronted by a group of people acting aggressively, including some who were throwing objects at police.
“This is completely unacceptable and puts our officers at risk of harm when they are there to protect you – our community.
“Our investigation into the report of sexual communication with a child remains ongoing and we have a man in custody.
“In addition to this, any further offences identified linked to last night’s disorder will be investigated and dealt with appropriately.”
Enquiries remain ongoing into the initial arrest that sparked the violent scenes.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers have arrested a 38-year-old man from Havant on suspicion of engaging in sexual communications with a child.
“The man, who was arrested in Middle Park Way in Havant this evening, remains in police custody at the current time.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.”
FacebookHundreds of people surrounded the police van[/caption]
FacebookPeople could be heard chanting ‘paedo’ as they followed police towards the van[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
