Moment hundreds of rioters shouting 'don't protect paedos' clash with police as they arrest man, 38, accused of sending sexual messages to a child
In shocking footage posted online, crowds clashed with officers last night in Havant, Hampshire, as armed police with riot shields took the 38-year-old into custody.
Chants of 'paedo' could be heard, while one woman shouted 'don't protect the f***ing paedos, protect the kids', as the police van left the scene.
Officers lined up and formed barricades around the man, with the rioters appearing to launch projectiles in their direction.
The group then surrounds the police van as it attempts to leave he area.
The disorder is believed to have erupted after a group of online vigilante paedo hunters confronted a man they accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
In a post on Facebook, the group said it has come to their attention that bricks were thrown during the incident.
A statement from the Child Online Safety Team said: 'We do not condone in anyway whatsoever violence or disorder.
'People who cause such issues when stings happen risk the police and government trying to shut groups down.
'If you see a sting taking place feel free to watch but it's come to my attention people throwing bricks towards the pred and they've ended up hitting police .
'This is totally unacceptable, anyone who has launched a missile be under no illusion if we have it recorded we will submit it and provide a statement and you will be dealt robustly.
'The sad thing is you'll probably get more of a sentence than the suspect himself
'Let us do what we need to do and stay out of it.'
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.
A police spokesperson 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.'
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