Hundreds turned out in Havant, Hampshire, surrounding cops and chanting “paedo”.
The crowd chanted ‘paedo’ as the suspect was led away. (Image: Social Media)
Hundreds of rioters clashed with cops in a Hampshire town after a man was arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communications with a child. Footage on social media showed a huge crowd around the officers in Havant, Hampshire.
The crowd chanted “paedo” as riot police descended on the area and helped the suspect into a riot van. People began throwing projectiles, and the van was surrounded before it was driven away from the crowd.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary 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.”
In one video posted on social media, a woman can be heard yelling as the riot van is driven off, “Don’t protect the f***ing paedos, protect the kids”.
The riot reportedly erupted after vigilante paedophile hunters confronted a man they believed had been engaged in sexual communication with a child.
The group posted a statement on social media after the riot, condemning what happened as unacceptable.
It said causing “such issues” when “stings happen” risks the police and Government trying to shut down vigilante groups.
