Dover immigration protesters and police clash at port - BBC News
Groups wanting tighter immigration restrictions and those supporting migrants gather in Dover.
Police and anti-immigration protesters have clashed outside the entrance to Dover harbour.

At one point, several officers restrained a person on the ground and in total 10 people were arrested.

It came as rival protests over migrants reaching the UK in small boats took place in the town.

The Kent Anti-Racism Network said it wanted to show "solidarity" with refugees, while opposing groups want "to protect Britain's border".

A message was beamed on to the White Cliffs overnight by humanitarian charity Freedom From Torture.

It read: "Rise above fear. Refugees welcome."

Police concentrated their officers in Market Square and at the railway station, and officers on horseback are also monitoring the situation.

A group of about 60 people shouting "freedom" moved along Dover seafront, with many wearing Union flag masks and carrying flags.

But, addressing a crowd of about 100, Peter Keenan from Kent Refugee Help said when society sees people who are fleeing war and turns them away "that says something about the state of your society".

He continued: "We are not those people."

The protest was in response to migrants crossing the Channel in boats

In a tweet, the Port of Dover had warned there was disruption on the A20 because of the protest and advised the local community to consider alternative routes and travellers to allow plenty of time for their journeys.

Protesters blocked the dual carriageway in both directions, leaving traffic at a standstill, with some singing Rule, Britannia! as they marched towards the town.

There were further clashes with a group of at least 50 police officers by the A20.

Officers moved protesters along the road towards the town centre.

By about 15:00 BST, all protesters had largely dispersed with the last few pushed towards the train station.

At least 5,196 people have crossed the English Channel in about 318 boats in 2020.

A sign was beamed on to the cliffs by campaigners

Police made ten arrests in total, on suspicion of racially aggravated public order, violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

Officers said inquiries were ongoing to identify any further offences.

Before the protests, Ch Supt Nigel Brooks said: "As a force, it is our responsibility to facilitate peaceful protests, however we will not tolerate violence or disorder."

It is thought groups from across the country travelled to Dover.

Protesters gathered around the A20 and the harbour

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke had urged people to "stay away" to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.

A Home Office spokeswoman said it had been aware of the protests and had contingency plans in place to minimise any potential disruption.

Figures compiled by the BBC show at least 5,196 people crossed the Channel in about 318 boats in 2020.

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