Two young men have been jailed for their part in an anti-immigration protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Hampshire.

Alby Brannan, 18, of Winchester Road, Ash, and Joe Howell, 20, of Bareham Drive, Ash, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder after the demonstration outside Potters International Hotel in Aldershot on July 31.

Brannan threw fireworks during the protest and Howell was seen hurling bikes at the hotel and banging on the doors. 

Hampshire Constabulary said that about 200 people were at the protest, where a minority of those involved became aggressive. 

Police said that many protesters started throwing objects at the hotel, banging on the doors and shouting racist abuse.

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On Friday, at Salisbury Crown Court, Brannan was jailed for 18 months while Howell was jailed for 22 months.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “We know that the majority of people who attended this protest in Aldershot were respectful, however Brannan and Howell were part of a smaller group that chose to act in an aggressive and intimidating manner.

“Their behaviour that day spiralled out of control and caused fear of violence to those inside the hotel and our officers. Our message is clear, this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I hope the sentences that Howell and Brannan received highlight that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable.

"It is a clear message that these actions have consequences.

“This should serve as a warning to anyone else considering trying to bring mindless violence to our streets and that the minority who seek to cause disorder will face the full force of the law."