Six people have been arrested after an anti-migrant protest at a Hampshire marina, where demonstrators mistakenly believed a small boat carrying asylum seekers was due to arrive. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at Gosport, Hampshire, as hundreds gathered following calls from far-right campaigner Daniel Thomas.
Background of the Protest
The protest was organized after Daniel Thomas, who styles himself as Danny Tommo, used social media to urge supporters to gather at Gosport marina. Thomas spent Tuesday afternoon in a speedboat in the English Channel, broadcasting his pursuit of asylum seekers to over 100,000 viewers. He is now facing a police inquiry after using a blade to slash an inflatable dinghy while a rescue worker was onboard.
Arrests and Charges
Hampshire police confirmed that two men from Salisbury, aged 19 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Additionally, four people from Gosport – two men aged 33 and 67, and two women aged 31 and 32 – were held on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. The 67-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of careless driving.
Police Inquiry into Daniel Thomas
Police are conducting inquiries into footage showing Thomas slashing the side of an inflatable boat while a member of a rescue team was still on it, then sailing away shouting “traitors.” The arrests were made after unions representing Border Force staff discussed security concerns with the Home Office following increasingly aggressive tactics by protesters.
Key Takeaways
- Six individuals were arrested at an anti-migrant protest in Gosport, Hampshire.
- Charges include aggravated trespass and assaulting an emergency worker.
- Far-right campaigner Daniel Thomas faces a police inquiry for slashing a dinghy.
- The protest was based on false information about a boat arrival.
- Border Force unions had raised security concerns prior to the event.
Comparison of Arrest Details
| Location | Number Arrested | Ages | Suspected Offenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury | 2 men | 19, 36 | Aggravated trespass |
| Gosport | 2 men, 2 women | 33, 67, 31, 32 | Assaulting an emergency worker; careless driving (67-year-old) |
FAQ
What happened at the Hampshire marina protest?
Anti-migrant protesters gathered at Gosport marina believing a small boat was due to arrive. Six people were arrested, and police are investigating Daniel Thomas for slashing a dinghy.
Who is Daniel Thomas?
Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, is a far-right campaigner who organized the protest and is facing a police inquiry for slashing an inflatable boat in the Channel.
What charges do the arrested individuals face?
Two men from Salisbury face aggravated trespass charges. Four individuals from Gosport face assaulting an emergency worker charges, and one also faces careless driving.