Gosport protest arrests highlight pressure on border staff
Six people were arrested after protesters gathered at the wrong expected landing point. Police are also investigating footage involving campaigner Daniel Thomas and a rescue worker.
Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters gathered at a Gosport marina on Tuesday, expecting an asylum-seeker boat to arrive. It instead reached Dover early on Wednesday.
Hampshire Police said two men were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and four people on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. One of the four was also arrested on suspicion of careless driving. The arrests do not establish guilt.
Police are conducting inquiries into footage that appears to show campaigner Daniel Thomas slashing an inflatable dinghy while a rescue worker was aboard. The source report does not say he has been charged over the incident.
The arrests followed security concerns raised by unions representing Border Force staff with the Home Office. The concerns came after reported attacks on Border Force vehicles and attempts by activists to identify staff.
The Home Office said it was working with police and the Ministry of Defence on protections for staff and migrants, using existing police powers and civil service support networks. It also urged police to use available powers to address criminality and protect communities and those in their care.
