Masked protesters dressed in black have blocked access to the Port of Dover, causing chaos for holidaymakers and lorry drivers. Kent Police said it was aware of a protest "currently taking place" at the ferry terminal and was "engaging with protesters".
Access restricted at ferry terminal
The disruption has prevented holidaymakers from entering or leaving the port. P&O Ferries warned access to the Port of Dover is "currently restricted". In a statement on X, the company said: "Please be advised that access to the Port of Dover is currently restricted. If you miss your sailing, we will get you onto the next when you reach our check-in."
National Highways says the A20 is closed in both directions between the A256 (York Street) and A2 (Jubilee Way) due to "protest activity" at the port.
Witness describes large group
Nathan Ditchburn said he saw the group arrive at around 6.45am while he was on his way to work. He told KentOnline: "I would say there are around 300 men, maybe more. Nobody will speak; they just handed me a piece of paper to look at."
"They have blocked off every entrance and exit of the Dover port area, and Jubilee Way is blocked as well. It will be causing huge delays for the ferries today," he added.
Traffic delays on approach
P&O Ferries has said that passengers who miss their scheduled crossing today will be able to board the next available service.
In a statement on X, National Highways said the A20 is closed in both directions in Kent between the A256 (York Street) and A2 (Jubilee Way). "A large number of protesters are blocking three separate locations bringing all traffic entering the @Port_of_Dover to a standstill," it added. There are delays of 45 minutes on the approach, with four miles of congestion, National Highways warned.
