Police confront 'hostile' crowd at fast car meeting

A man has been arrested after police were met with a "hostile crowd of approximately 500 people" at a car meet.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers had stones thrown at them by some of the people gathered.

The meet started in Winchester Park and Ride, before travelling around Hampshire, ending at Southsea seafront shortly after midnight on Sunday.

The force said it received reports of dangerous and anti-social driving, public disorder and violence in connection with the event, including an assault on a member of the public.

Attempting to engage with the group in Southsea, Hampshire police said its officers had been met with a "hostile crowd", which included individuals throwing stones at them.

One driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Fareham, it said.

In videos posted on the social media platform Snapchat, a large crowd of people could be seen alongside cars loudly revving their engines and performing tricks.

Ch Insp Marcus Cator said Hampshire police recognised that "not all car enthusiasts who meet up socially are involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour".

He added: "However, there were some individuals last night who demonstrated a clear lack of regard for the safety of not only themselves but other road users and the community at large."

He said the force would be reviewing evidence to "establish the extent of any offences" and "deal with anyone identified as being involved".

Police urged anyone with information or video footage of the meet to contact the force.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called the large-scale meets a "total blight on decent people lives".

In a post on X, Ms Jones said the events were "criminal" and "dangerous", adding: "They must stop."