HUNDREDS of rioters clashed with police after a man was arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communications with a child.
Shocking footage posted on social media last night showed crowds swarming around officers in Havant, Hampshire, as the 38-year-old was taken into custody.
Chants of “paedo” could be heard as cops armed with riot shields escorted the man into a police van.
One woman shouts “don’t protect the f***ing paedos, protect the kids”, as the vehicle drives off.
Projectiles appear to be launched as officers line up and form barricades to transport the man into the van.
The mob then surrounds the police van before it is able to set off down the road.
The carnage is believed to have erupted after a group of vigilante paedo hunters confronted a man they accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
The group have since shared a statement on Facebook slamming the unrest as “totally unacceptable”.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that investigations remain ongoing into the circumstances of the arrest.
A spokesperson for the force 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.”
Hundreds of people surrounded the police van[/caption]
People could be heard chanting ‘paedo’ as they followed police towards the van[/caption]
