Balaclava clad Vigilantes and the Policing of Fear The recent clashes in Portsmouth between far right protesters and police officers have raised uncomfortable questions about the role of law enforcement in dealing with extremist groups.
The use of batons and pepper spray to disperse masked vigilantes may seem a necessary measure, but it also highlights the challenges faced by authorities in balancing public safety with free speech.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Portsmouth on Sunday night, vowing to prevent migrants from leaving the port.