Hundreds of protesters wearing balaclavas blocked key routes to the Port of Dover on Saturday in what is believed to be an anti-migrant demonstration, prompting travel disruption warnings for holidaymakers.
The crowd, many dressed in black and with their faces covered, assembled near the ferry terminal during the morning before obstructing vehicles trying to enter and leave the busy port.
Kent Police confirmed officers were responding to an ongoing “public order incident” at the scene and said they were speaking with those taking part in the protest.
Those involved are understood to include members of Patriot Platform, a far-right organisation protesting against migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel in small boats.
P&O Ferries advised passengers to expect delays, adding that anyone who missed their booked departure because of the disruption would be transferred to the next available sailing.
Videos and pictures shared online show scores of protesters standing in roads around the port, many wearing black clothing and balaclavas.
There is speculation online that as many as 300 people are involved, although this has not been confirmed.
Patriot Platform was launched in June by Danny Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson.
Balaclava-clad protesters have blocked roads leading to the Port of Dover in a suspected anti-migrant demonstration, sparking warnings of delays for holidaymakers
A large group dressed in black and with their faces obscured gathered around the ferry terminal on Saturday morning, blocking traffic in and out of the port
Kent Police said officers were dealing with an ongoing ‘public order incident’ and were ‘engaging with protesters’
The protesters are thought to be members of Patriot Platform, a far-right group demonstrating against migrants crossing the Channel in small boats
P&O Ferries warned passengers of disruption and said those who missed their scheduled crossing would be put on the next available sailing
The protesters are thought to be members of Patriot Platform, a far-right group launched in June by Danny Thomas (pictured), an associate of Tommy Robinson
Thomas has described the organisation as a ‘resistance’ movement and claimed tens of thousands of people have signed up.
He has also promoted increasingly confrontational rhetoric, calling for supporters to take ‘direct action’ and put ‘boots on the ground’.
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for and Deal, criticised what he described as ‘idiots coming to to cause disruption’.
In a post on Facebook, he said: ‘Park run cancelled and port access disrupted.
‘I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption. I bet if you asked any one of those ‘protesters’ they wouldn’t know small boat crossing are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess.
‘Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job.’
Commuter Nathan Ditchburn said the group arrived at around 6.45am.
He told KentOnline: ‘I would say there are around 300 men, maybe more.
‘They have blocked off every entrance and exit of the Dover port area, and Jubilee Way is blocked as well.
‘It will be causing huge delays for the ferries today.’
The Port of Dover confirmed in a statement on X that the disruption is affecting ‘all routes’ in and out, as well as around the town.
It said: ‘The Port of Dover can confirm that there is an ongoing public order incident happening around the town of
‘This is affecting all routes in and out the port and the town. We are in contact with Kent Police to understand the situation.
‘This situation is impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution.’
In a statement on X, Kent Police said: ‘We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover. Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters.’
Shipping company DFDS said: ‘We are aware of the current traffic disruption affecting access to the port.
‘Rest assured we will accommodate you onto the next departure once you arrive.’
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.