Hundreds of MASKED protesters blockade Dover in anti-migrant demonstration as port roads grind to a halt
Hundreds of masked protesters blocked roads around the Port of Dover in a major anti-migrant demonstration that caused serious disruption for travellers and brought parts of the town to a standstill.
Large groups of demonstrators, many dressed entirely in black and wearing balaclavas, gathered early on Saturday morning around routes leading to Britain’s busiest ferry port.
+11
View gallery
The protesters blocked roads leading to the port, sparking warnings of delays for holidaymakers
+11
View gallery
Balaclava-clad anti-migrant protesters have scrawled ‘blood is on your hands’ outside a migrant facility in Dover as hundreds of demonstrators blockade roads around the port
+11
View gallery
Some protesters have claimed links to Patriot Platform, a hard-Right anti-migrant group which said it intends to blockade the port for three days, working in shifts. The group’s leader, Danny Tommo said: ‘This is our warning.’
Protesters were heard chanting “stop the boats” as they moved through the area.
Graffiti reading “blood is on your hands” was also reportedly spray-painted outside a facility linked to the handling of small-boat arrivals.
Some of those taking part claimed links to Patriot Platform, a hard-Right anti-migrant organisation founded earlier this year by Danny Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo.
The group said it intended to continue the blockade for as long as three days using rotating shifts.
Thomas shared footage of the demonstration online and described it as a warning, while calling for supporters to take action over immigration.
Tommy Robinson, who has also promoted footage from the protest, claimed several locations around Dover had been blocked and encouraged supporters to join.
Kent Police said officers were dealing with an ongoing public-order incident and were engaging with protesters.
+11
View gallery
A hard-Right group called Patriot Platform appeared to take responsibility for the action
+11
View gallery
The group claims to be motivated by ‘a love of country, responsibility to our families and belief in Britain’s future’
+11
View gallery
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticised what he described as ‘idiots coming to to cause disruption’
+11
View gallery
Kent Police said officers were dealing with an ongoing ‘public order incident’ and were ‘engaging with protesters’
+11
View gallery
There is speculation online that as many as 300 protesters are involved, although this has not been confirmed
+11
View gallery
P&O Ferries warned passengers of disruption and said those who missed their scheduled crossing would be put on the next available sailing
+11
View gallery
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
+11
View gallery
‘It will be causing huge delays for the ferries today.’
Witnesses estimated that several hundred people may have been involved, although an exact figure had not been officially confirmed.
One local councillor said groups of men arrived in rental vans before blocking roads and effectively bringing the town to a halt.
Although there were no immediate reports of serious violence, some residents and travellers described the sight of large groups of masked men as intimidating.
The blockade had an immediate impact on traffic.
The Port of Dover said routes into and out of both the port and the wider town had been affected.
P&O Ferries warned passengers to expect disruption and said customers who missed scheduled crossings would be placed on the next available sailing.
DFDS issued similar advice.
One passenger reportedly spent more than an hour delayed in Dunkirk and feared missing a hospital appointment for a potentially serious health condition.
Another group of parents said they were worried they would miss seeing their children set off on a cross-Channel swimming challenge after becoming trapped by the road closures.
Some said they were considering walking to their destination because they could not drive out of Dover.
Local politicians sharply criticised the protest.
Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp condemned those responsible for the disruption and argued that they were harming local residents rather than solving the issue of illegal Channel crossings.
He also claimed small-boat crossings had recently fallen significantly.
Reform UK councillor Paul King said he understood the demonstration to be a “stop the boats” protest but added that he did not support public disorder.
He said some local women had told him they felt frightened by the sight of such a large group of masked men moving through the streets.
Patriot Platform has promoted itself as a movement focused on immigration, borders and national identity.
Its founder has previously called for “direct action” and claimed the group has attracted tens of thousands of supporters.
The organisation has also spoken about deploying boats in the English Channel as part of its campaign.
The protest comes amid continuing political controversy over small-boat crossings and the Government’s cooperation with France.
Immigration remains one of the most divisive issues in British politics, with pressure growing on ministers to reduce illegal arrivals while maintaining public order around demonstrations.
For Dover, however, the immediate consequences were practical.
Roads were blocked, ferry passengers faced delays and local residents were left dealing with disruption across the town.
Police remained on the ground while authorities sought to restore access to the port and prevent the situation from escalating.
With organisers claiming the protest could continue for several days, the focus is now on whether the blockade will persist — and how police will respond if further disruption follows.
