Anti-migrant protesters gather on England's south coast as boat with over 100 migrants nears shore
Demonstrators have assembled in Gosport, Hampshire, as a small boat believed to carry around 120 migrants approaches the coast. Police have deployed officers and imposed special restrictions on the protest.
Protesters opposed to migrant arrivals gathered in the English coastal town of Gosport on Sunday as a small boat, reportedly carrying about 120 migrants according to French media, approached the shore.
Ship tracking data indicates the vessel left the area near Utah Beach in Normandy on Sunday morning. French rescue boats shadowed it during the crossing, and it has now reached waters off Gosport, Hampshire, where RNLI lifeboats are also present at the scene.
Hampshire Police said officers had been sent to Gosport to support partner agencies in case of an emergency at sea. Using powers under the Public Order Act, the force also imposed additional conditions on the demonstration, including a ban on face coverings.
A Home Office spokesperson said the Border Security Command monitors the Channel around the clock to protect the UK border, adding that it remains essential to detain, check and process every small boat arrival.
A police cordon has been set up on Haslar Road in Gosport, and the protest has largely remained peaceful so far. Ambulances and coaches have also reportedly been seen in the area. Some demonstrators blocked police vans from moving forward by standing in their path while chanting slogans, including calls to deport the arrivals.
