Police sergeant shares experience of Weymouth protest

Sergeant Scott Jones has been a specialist trained public order officer for seven years, having served as a constable, sergeant and more recently, a Police Support Unit (PSU) Commander - riot police.

Over the past few weeks he has attended five different protests across the south west, including the anti-immigration protest which took place on Weymouth seafront on Sunday, August 4.

A handful of arrests were made following the Weymouth protest and despite clashes, there were no rioting which has happened in other parts of the country. But there were some very tense scenes and there was a huge police presence in preparation for any outbreaks of trouble.

A number of people have since been jailed for offences connected with the protest. 

Sergeant Jones said: “During the protest in Weymouth I stood with one protest group and looked up to see people from the other side running along the beachfront in an attempt to confront and potentially cause more violent disorder.

“This was a difficult and high-pressure environment, but I was confident in my equipment, my team and the training we had received. We deployed lines of officers to create a barrier and keep both groups separated and prevent violent interactions.

“This wasn’t easy and I was spending multiple hours in PSU kit, which included fireproof undergarments, full protective pads and overalls and a PSU helmet in already very hot weather conditions. But this was about teamwork and we are here to protect our communities, putting ourselves in potentially dangerous situations and holding the line between opposing groups.

Police Sergeant Scott Jones (Image: Dorset Police)

“My friends and family have all been shocked about the disorder demonstrated at some of the protests and were keen to know I was safe. It was upsetting to know that my children were worried for my safety, and I had to make the decision to sacrifice spending time with them to ensure we kept other people safe over this time period.”

The police sergeant further expressed his family’s concerns for his welfare, adding: “My loved ones were worried about my safety.”

READ MORE: Weymouth man jailed for punching police during protest

While the main protest in Weymouth went on for about three hours - with the majority of people then dispersing - a small hardcore group of young anti-immigrant protesters remained in the King’s Statue area after 8pm, some swearing at the police.

READ MORE: Tense scenes as clashes break out during protest

Police were seen to then leave the area but then returned when there were fears disorder would break out. Officers then moved to Westham Road and sealed off the area in order to contain the group after reports of a fight.