Masked Protesters Block Roads in Dover in Demonstration Linked to Illegal Migration

Hundreds of masked people dressed in black blocked roads in and around Dover, bringing parts of the port town to a standstill in a protest apparently linked to illegal migration.

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Overnight, clearly what appears to be several hundred masked men wearing black clothing and balaclavas seem to have co-ordinated and loaded into rental vans and then descended on roads leading in and out of Dover with the intent to block them, and that’s what they’ve successfully done, and it’s brought the town to a standstill.

Videos showed groups of men wearing balaclavas gathering near the port and demonstrators linking arms across the A20. They chanted “stop the boats” and “England ’til I die.” Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative group on Dover District Council and a councillor for Walmer, said the protesters appeared to have coordinated their arrival in rental vans before blocking roads leading into and out of the town.

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I’m not aware that there’s been any violence, although clearly, having the path of your vehicle blocked by men wearing black paramilitary gear and balaclavas is extremely intimidating.

Vinson said he knew of no violence, but described the presence of men in black paramilitary-style clothing and balaclavas as highly intimidating. He said people who had worked night shifts at the port were afraid to leave, while women remained in cars and traffic queues stretched back along the A20 and other approach roads.

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The Port of Dover can confirm that there is an ongoing public order incident happening around the town of Dover.

The Port of Dover said the public-order incident affected all routes into and out of the port and town. It said it was in contact with Kent Police and hoped for a swift resolution. P&O Ferries reported that access through the M2/A2 had been partially restored by 10:30 a.m., but the M20/A20 remained blocked. Its services continued with delays, and passengers were told they would be placed on the next available sailing after check-in.

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Our services are operating with some delay, but we will get you onto the next available sailing when you reach check-in.