Moment Royal Marine commandos clash with Gibraltar police leaving eight injured
Shocking new video shared with MailOnline appears to capture the moment Royal Marine commandos clashed with police in Gibraltar in a brawl that saw seven arrested on Friday.
Gibraltar Police responded to a call near the Ocean Village Gym when they became involved in a brawl with elite soldiers from 43 Commando at around 4am.
Witness footage showed the Royal Gibraltar Police wrestling men in civilian clothes to the ground. A man in a T-shirt and shorts was seen retreating with his hands up as police took fighting stances and struggled with others.
A second clip shows sirens lighting up the street as police detain suspects on the ground near a police vehicle. Police allegedly used batons and pepper spray to stop the soldiers in the clash that left seven officers and a member of the public injured.
Suspects were charged on Saturday with assault on police, violent disorder and disorderly drunkenness, among other charges. They will appear in court on Tuesday.
The commands are part of a 550 strong unitbased at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland, responsible for protecting Britain’s nuclear weapons.
Images showed the commotion between police officers, commandos and the public
People are depicted clashing, on the ground and folded in half, as the police arrive on the scene
Footage shows the aftermath, with sirens lighting up the building as police appear to detain someone on the floor
Kyle Connell, 20, Anthony Houghton, 36, Graham Tait, 42, Cameron Bull, 23, Connor Holborn, 24, Sandy Dove, 36, and Samuel Bates, 26, are part of a 550-strong unit responsible for the protection of British nuclear weapons.
The Royal Navy website says they are currently deployed to ‘Maritime Security’ – the group is said to include crack snipers and close combat specialists.
The Royal Gibraltar Police said: ‘Seven men will appear in Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning (2 May) following a major brawl in Ocean Village.
Seven RGP officers and one member of the public were injured during the incident.
“The Response Team officers were required to use kidnapper spray, baton tactics, and unarmed defensive tactics.
‘The Royal Gibraltar Police officers were assisted by officers from the Gibraltar Defense Police.
“Early this morning the men, who are all serving members of the military, were charged.”
Houghton was charged with two counts of violent disorder, one of resisting and obstructing police, one of disorderly conduct while intoxicated, and one of police assault.
Dove was charged with two counts of violent disorder, one of resisting and obstructing police and one of police assault.
Connell, Tait, Bull, Holborn and Baits were all charged with two counts of violent disorder and one count of resisting and obstructing police.
Police rushed to Ocean Village Gym, next to a strip of harborside bars, after receiving a call. In the photo: Ocean Village Gym
Police had to call Gibraltar Defense Police for support as they attempted to subdue the serving soldiers.
They have been released on conditions pending their appearance on Tuesday.
A Ministry of Defense media officer told The Olive Press that ‘seven military personnel from 43 Commando were arrested by the Royal Gibraltar Police on 28 April 2023’.
The Navy’s website states: ‘From snipers who can take out a moving speedboat from a pursuit helicopter to specialists in close combat and cold weather warfare, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines are the elite fighters providing the strategic nuclear deterrent of protect the UK.
The unit works closely with the Department of Defense (MOD) Police Department, but also supports the Atomic Weapons Establishment, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard.
’43 Commando is ready 24/7/365 and able to deliver specialist capabilities in a uniquely complex urban, maritime, industrial environment.’
The Department of Defense has been contacted for comment.