Moment hundreds of rioters shouting ‘don’t protect paedos’ clash with police as they arrest man, 38, accused of sending sexual messages to a child
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 leaves.
The disorder is believed to follow a group of online vigilante paedo-hunters confronting a man they accuse of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
In a Facebook post, the group said it has come to their attention bricks were thrown during the incident.
A statement from the Child Online Safety Team said: ‘We do not condone in anyway whatsoever violence or disorder.
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
‘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.’
Rioters clash with armed Hampshire and Isle of Wight police as the man was arrested
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.
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.’
