Hundreds of masked far-right protesters clashed with police in Portsmouth and Dover over the weekend, attempting to block migrant arrivals. The UK government condemned the 'thuggish' behavior, while officials noted small boat crossings have dropped 40% this year.
Police are investigating injuries and vehicle damage after approximately 200 masked protesters clashed with officers in Portsmouth following the landing of 120 migrants. Policing Minister Sarah Jones condemned the 'thuggish' behavior, while far-right organizer Daniel Thomas claimed responsibility. The incident follows similar disruptions in Dover and raises questions about police intelligence and border management.
HMS Queen Elizabeth has departed Portsmouth for a three-month training deployment in UK and northern European waters. The 65,000-tonne carrier, which recently completed a major refit, is now serving as NATO's Afloat Command Platform for the Allied Response Force. The mission aims to restore the ship's high-readiness status before it replaces HMS Prince of Wales as the UK's flagship in late 2027.
Federal agents executed a court-authorized search at Virginia State Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas’s district office and a cannabis dispensary she co-owns in Portsmouth as part of an ongoing federal investigation; Democratic leaders suggested the timing may be tied to redistricting politics, while officials cautioned there is no public safety threat and provided few additional details.
Federal agents executed a court-authorized raid of Sen. Louise Lucas’s Portsmouth legislative office and searched a nearby cannabis-related business, part of a broader operation affecting multiple Virginia sites. The FBI has not disclosed charges or arrests, and Lucas or other officials have not commented on the specifics, urging caution and transparency as details remain scarce. It is not yet clear whether the investigation concerns Lucas’s legislative activities, her cannabis business, or another matter entirely. Lucas is a longtime Virginia power broker and chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, with recent involvement in redistricting debates and budget negotiations.
Britain's destroyer HMS Dragon has sailed from Portsmouth toward the Mediterranean after Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the deployment in response to a drone strike on Cyprus's RAF Akrotiri base, noting the Royal Navy currently has no major warship stationed in the region.
Gabriel Martinelli capped a dramatic week by scoring his first senior hat-trick as Arsenal beat Portsmouth 4-1 to reach the FA Cup fourth round. The goals came from two near-post headers off Madueke’s corners and a late strike from a quick free-kick setup, taking him to nine goals in all competitions and making him Arsenal’s top scorer this season. The week began with criticism after he shoved an injured Conor Bradley (who later suffered a season-ending injury), and he answered with focus and form as Kai Havertz returned and a 16-year-old debuted for the club.
A woman in Portsmouth, Virginia, was fatally mauled by three pit bulls, prompting a statement from the police chief expressing condolences to the victim's family and acknowledging previous interactions with the animals. Neighbors reported previous incidents involving the dogs, and the CDC noted an increase in dog attack fatalities in 2021 compared to 2020, with women being the majority of victims.
A woman died after being mauled by three pit bulls in Portsmouth, Virginia. The incident occurred at a home on Atlanta Avenue, and the dogs are now in custody. Police have not filed any charges and the case is currently labeled as a death investigation. The victim's identity has not been released, and the police chief urged residents to refrain from trespassing or interacting with animals without permission. The community is urged to keep their animals secure to prevent future incidents.
A fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Portsmouth resulted in the death of a 65-year-old woman from Buena Park, California, after the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over. The driver, a 38-year-old from Saugus, Massachusetts, sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive. The accident shut down two southbound lanes of I-95 for most of the morning, with rain falling at the time of the crash. The victims' names have not been released, and investigators are seeking witnesses to the incident.
During the League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth, a fan ran onto the pitch to confront the referee after a penalty was awarded to Portsmouth, resulting in the referee being chased off the field. The fan was restrained and removed from the pitch, and both clubs and football authorities condemned the incident. Portsmouth won the match 1-0, maintaining their position at the top of League One, while Port Vale is just above the relegation zone.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has canceled its plans for a wind turbine blade production facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, citing the inability to meet development milestones. The $280 million-plus project, which was expected to bring over 300 jobs to the region, has been scrapped. However, Dominion Energy's offshore wind farm project, the largest of its kind in the US, remains unaffected. The cancellation is seen as a setback for Portsmouth's aspirations to become a primary logistics center for the Mid-Atlantic's offshore wind energy industry. Despite this, other recent developments, such as the approval of Dominion Energy's wind farm and a grant for an offshore wind logistics facility in Norfolk, position Hampton Roads as a potential hub for offshore wind manufacturing and job creation.
The Library Restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, known for its hauntings, captured CCTV footage of a ghostly figure passing by the front of the restaurant. Staff believe it is not a car's lights or wind, as it triggered the motion detector. The restaurant has a long history of paranormal activity, with locals sharing their own ghost stories. Some skeptics question the authenticity of the video, suggesting it could be fog or a jump cut. The Rockingham Hotel, where the restaurant is located, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of Sarah Shelborne Langdon and a drowning victim.
A woman has died and two others were injured in a triple shooting in Portsmouth, Virginia. Police responded to a report of shots fired and found two women with serious injuries. One of the women later died in the hospital. A third victim with non-life threatening injuries walked into a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police.