Hundreds of rioters came face to face with police after a man was arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communications with a child.
In shocking online footage, crowds clashed with officers last night in Havant, Hampshire, as armed police with riot shields took the 38-year-old into custody.
Chants of ‘paedo’ could be heard, while one woman shouted ‘don’t protect the f***ing paedos, protect the kids’, as the police van drove away.
Officers formed barricades around the man, with the rioters appearing to launch projectiles.
The group then surrounds the police van as it attempts to leave the area.
Hampshire Constabulary said that about 100 people had gathered with some throwing objects at officers although no-one was injured.
The disorder is believed to have erupted after a group of online vigilante paedo-hunters confronted a man they accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
In a Facebook post, the group said it has come to their attention that bricks were thrown during the incident.
In shocking footage posted online, crowds clashed with officers last night in Havant, Hampshire, as armed police with riot shields took the 38-year-old into custody
Chants of ‘paedo’ could be heard, while one woman shouted ‘don’t protect the f***ing paedos, protect the kids’, as the police van left the scene
Officers lined up and formed barricades, with the rioters appearing to launch projectiles in their direction
A statement from the Child Online Safety Team said: ‘We do not condone in anyway whatsoever violence or disorder.
‘People who cause such issues when stings happen risk the police and government trying to shut groups down.
‘If you see a sting taking place feel free to watch but it’s come to my attention people throwing bricks towards the pred (sic) and they’ve ended up hitting police .
‘This is totally unacceptable, anyone who has launched a missile be under no illusion if we have it recorded we will submit it and provide a statement and you will be dealt robustly.
‘The sad thing is you’ll probably get more of a sentence than the suspect himself.
‘Let us do what we need to do and stay out of it.’
The force has now imposed a dispersal order to prevent any further disorder.
A force spokesman said: ‘Police were called at 7.38pm on Tuesday, July 1, following allegations that a man had been sending sexually explicit messages to a child online.
Rioters clash with armed Hampshire and Isle of Wight police as the man was arrested
‘Officers attended Middle Park Way in Havant and arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
‘He remains in custody at this time.
‘Whilst on scene, police were met with a crowd of approximately 100 people, some of whom were engaged in disorder including throwing objects at police officers.
‘No one was reported injured.
‘In response to this, a dispersal order was authorised under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, enabling police to direct people away from the area within this specified time period.
‘This was put in place to quickly and effectively minimise any ongoing disorder, and to ensure the safety of the wider public.
‘The crowd soon dispersed.’
The spokesman added that anyone who engages in anti-social behaviour or disorder following the imposition of the dispersal order which lasts for 48 hours from 12pm on Wednesday would be ‘dealt with robustly’.
A dispersal order has been put in place under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
Chief Inspector Alex Charge said: ‘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.
‘Disorder as was seen last night will not be tolerated – 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.’
Following the incident, A police spokesperson 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.’
