Major disruption has hit the Port of Dover after a large group of masked protesters blocked roads leading to the UK’s busiest international ferry port during a suspected anti-migrant demonstration.
Scores of people dressed predominantly in black, many wearing balaclavas or other face coverings, gathered around the port on Saturday morning and blocked traffic on key routes.
Kent Police said officers were attending what was being treated as a public order incident and were engaging with protesters.
The demonstration has been linked in reports to Patriot Platform, an anti-migrant organisation associated with activist Daniel Thomas, better known as Danny Tommo.
However, Kent Police had not formally identified the organisation responsible in its initial statements.
Estimates circulating online suggested around 300 people could be involved, but that figure had not been officially confirmed.
A20 Closed As Protesters Block Port
National Highways said protesters were blocking traffic entering the port, forcing the closure of the A20 eastbound between the A256 at York Street and the A2 at Jubilee Way.
At one stage around three miles of congestion and delays of approximately 30 minutes were reported.
By late morning, National Highways said around one mile of congestion remained on the approach, with delays of approximately 25 minutes.
The westbound route was largely clear of traffic but remained blocked from Limekiln roundabout.
Images and footage from Dover showed groups of masked protesters occupying roads while traffic was prevented from passing.
Ferry Passengers Warned Of Delays
P&O Ferries said access to the port had been partially restored through the M2 and A2, while access from the M20 and A20 remained restricted.
Ferry services continued to operate but with delays.
Passengers unable to reach check-in for their booked crossing because of the disruption were being offered places on the next available departure.
DFDS issued similar advice, telling customers affected by the traffic disruption that they would be accommodated on subsequent sailings after reaching the port.
The Port of Dover said the incident was affecting routes both into and out of the port as well as traffic around the town.
MP Condemns ‘Absolutely Awful Disruption’
Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp said his understanding was that a number of people had travelled into the area wearing black clothing and balaclavas before blocking roads.
He described the consequences for residents as “absolutely awful disruption”.
Tapp later wrote: “I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption.”
Reform UK councillor Paul King said he had been told those involved were holding a “stop the boats protest”.
Protest Linked In Reports To Patriot Platform
Reports have linked the demonstration to Patriot Platform, an anti-migrant organisation launched this year and associated with Danny Tommo.
Thomas, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, has promoted direct action over Channel migration and has previously been associated with Tommy Robinson.
His involvement brings additional scrutiny because of his criminal history and separate ongoing proceedings concerning activity at Dover.
Danny Tommo Was Jailed Over Attempted Kidnap Of Wrong Man
Thomas was jailed for two years in 2016 following an attempted kidnapping in Hampshire in which he and two other men targeted the wrong person.
The men went to the victim’s home armed with knives and attempted to force him from the property.
The victim was punched, pinned against a wall and grabbed as the group tried to remove him from his home, but he resisted by holding onto the door frame.
The attackers eventually fled.
After discovering they had targeted the wrong person, Thomas later sent the victim a message on Facebook apologising.
Thomas was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison for attempted kidnap.
Thomas Currently Facing Separate Dover Proceedings
Thomas has also recently appeared in court over separate incidents at the Port of Dover earlier this year.
At Margate Magistrates’ Court on August 27, he pleaded guilty to entering a restricted harbour area at Western Jet Foil without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on March 31.
The site is used as a short-term holding facility for people arriving after crossing the Channel in small boats.
Thomas denied five other charges arising from activities at Dover during March and April.
Those allegations include offences relating to his alleged entry into other restricted areas to film and shout at vessels arriving at the port, as well as allegations concerning threatening, abusive or racially aggravated behaviour.
Those charges remain outstanding and have not been proven. Thomas is due to face further court proceedings.
Calais Continuing To Operate
Despite the disruption on the British side of the Channel, the Port of Calais was not directly affected by the protest.
Operators in France continued loading cargo, although some vessels were departing with slight delays as officials monitored developments in Dover.
The Port of Dover handles more than 15,000 passenger vehicles each day during the summer and more than 10,000 freight vehicles.
Around £144 billion of trade passes through the port annually, with approximately a third of UK trade with the European Union moving across the Channel through the Dover route.
Kent Police officers remained at the scene as the force continued dealing with the protest and disruption around the port.
