Masked protesters block roads to Britain’s Dover port as authorities respond

Masked groups dressed in black brought traffic to a halt at Dover port in Kent on Saturday morning, blocking the main roads in both directions. Videos and photographs shared online showed large numbers of masked people walking together on the road as trucks queued beside police vehicles.

Kent police said officers were at the scene to deal with the protests. Dover port called the event a public-order incident. The Guardian reported that an anti-immigration group believed to have links to the far right appeared to have claimed responsibility.

The disruption stopped traffic to and from the port, according to the National Highways agency. Delays reached 30 minutes, while congestion extended for four miles. British authorities condemned the protesters’ conduct and the disruption to travel.

The protesters later dispersed, and traffic resumed on roads leading to the port. Ferry operators said they would put passengers delayed by the disruption on the next available sailings.