Six arrests made at Gosport protests as police also investigate ‘slashing’ of migrant boat

Police have confirmed they have arrested six people this evening (September 22) following protests in Gosport over a small boat crossing in the English Channel.

It comes after Hampshire Police and partner agencies, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Security Command, worked closely in response to the crossing which had resulted in a decision to bring the migrants to Gosport. This was later abandoned and the 60 migrants were instead taken directly to Dover.

Despite this, protesters who has been following the news of the boat turned out in both Gosport and Portsmouth to protest - with road closures in place close to Fort Blockhouse, thought to be the original destination for the migrants.

A police statement said: “To help facilitate peaceful protest, ensure the safety of the local community and support partners in the event of any emergency at sea, we deployed officers to Gosport and Portsmouth.

“Following news that the vessel would be docking elsewhere in the country, police were met with a group of people who remained in Gosport, some of whom became hostile towards officers.

“As a result, six people were arrested for offences including careless driving, assaulting an emergency worker and aggravated trespass.

“They remain in custody at this time and our enquiries into these incidents continue.”

Police have added that no officers were injured this evening, unlike the recent protest in Portsmouth on September 6 in which seven officers were injured.

The police statement also added that it was aware of a live-streaming video from the campaigner Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, who was following the dinghy from the Channel. In the video he appears to be seen slashing it with a knife with a rescue worker still on board.

Mr Thomas – founder of anti-migration group Patriot Platform and an associate of political activist Tommy Robinson – was a leader of recent protests in Portsmouth and organised demonstrations in Dover. He had also urged his followers to protest in Gosport earlier today.

The police statement said: “We are also aware of a video circulating online relating to damage being caused to a boat in the English Channel on the afternoon of 22 September, and we are conducting enquiries into the matter.”