Gosport migrant crossing: Police standing down operation as boat carrying migrants moves away from the area
‘The boat and those on board are no longer in our force area’
Police have confirmed that they are standing down their operation in Gosport after a boat carrying migrants travel away from the area.
Protestors have gathered in the area with a large police presence blocking off access to Haslar Marina on Tuesday, September 22. It had been reported that migrants were collected from a small boat in the Channel earlier today over 30 hours after it left Normandy.
The Home Office wrote to Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage advising it was “increasingly likely” that the migrants would be taken to the Portsmouth area before being transported to Kent to be processed. However, the police are now advising this is no longer the case.
A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “We have been working with partner agencies today, following a report of a small boat crossing in the English Channel.
“We know how these incidents can impact local communities. As a precaution, we deployed officers to Gosport and Portsmouth this afternoon to support our partners in the event of any emergency at sea, to facilitate any peaceful protest and ensure the safety of the public. We have been in contact with our partners including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Security Command throughout the day.
“The boat and those on board are no longer in our force area. We know a small number of people have been following proceedings today and have come out to Gosport and Portsmouth. As we start to stand down the police operation, please be assured that officers will remain in those areas this evening while people leave the area and to maintain public safety.
“Thank you for your patience while we have been dealing with this and sorry for any inconvenience it has caused.”