Masked protesters dressed in black have been described as a "paramilitary" mob after blocking roads to the Port of Dover on Saturday morning, trapping motorists and causing widespread disruption for holidaymakers, lorry drivers and local workers.
One driver, Toby Mackenzie, said on social media that he feared for his safety during the incident. He said: "People dressed in black surrounding my car, pretty much left me fearing for my life."
Protesters compared to paramilitary group
Footage showed demonstrators linking arms across the A20 and marching while chanting "stop the boats" and "England 'til I die". Councillor Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative opposition at Dover District Council, said the masked protesters appeared to have arrived as part of a coordinated operation, wearing what he described as "paramilitary gear".
He said: "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.
"There are stacks of people who are stuck in their cars or in their workplaces as a result."
Motorists left fearing for their safety
While he was not aware of any violence, Cllr Vinson said the sight of masked men blocking vehicles had terrified those caught up in the chaos. He explained: "Having the path of your vehicle blocked by men wearing black paramilitary gear and balaclavas is extremely intimidating, especially when it's not clear why they're there.
"I know people who have worked night shifts in the port who are being prevented from leaving for fear for their safety. Women who are in cars feeling intimidated, people stuck in traffic – who obviously are without toilet facilities – queues way back on the A20 and the other approach roads into Dover."
Hard-Right group claims responsibility
A hard-Right group appeared to claim responsibility for the action online and reportedly said it intended to maintain the blockade for three days. Pictures from Dover appeared to show the words "Blood is on your hands" scrawled outside a migrant facility.
Kent Police said officers attended the scene and "engaged with protesters", while the Government condemned both their behaviour and the resulting travel disruption. Labour MP for Dover and Deal Mike Tapp branded those involved "idiots" and told them to "get a job".
He said: "I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption. I bet if you asked any one of those 'protesters' they wouldn't know small boat crossings are down by 40%.
"Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job. I'm in contact with the police."
The A20 and A2 routes into and out of Dover were blocked during the demonstration, preventing many holidaymakers from reaching their ferries as well as leaving port workers stranded ahead of their shifts. P&O Ferries and DFDS told delayed passengers they would be placed on the next available sailing once they reached check-in.
