Migrant boat crisis reaches UK Portsmouth as protesters clash with police

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Portsmouth on September 6 night after a mega-dinghy carrying up to 140 migrants reached the UK from Normandy, prompting a major emergency response, The Telegraph reports.

Around 500 demonstrators gathered near Eastney Marina, where the migrants were taken ashore after being rescued from a dinghy south of the Isle of Wight. Some protesters wore black clothing, similar to September 5 demonstrators involved in anti-illegal migration blockade at the Port of Dover.

Police used riot shields and pepper spray to push back crowds after protesters blocked the marina’s only access road. However, officers were reportedly overwhelmed by the size of the crowd, with some demonstrators entering the marina compound.

The migrants were expected to be transferred to a facility in Manston, Kent, for processing.

French authorities said the vessel had been detected after launching from a beach east of Cherbourg. At least 30 people were reportedly thrown into the sea because of overcrowding. The crossing is believed to be the longest Channel journey yet undertaken by people-smugglers.

One protester said: “We want to stop them all coming in. We don’t need any more people in Hampshire.”

Another demonstrator, who identified himself as Matt, said: “People aren’t taking too kindly to it.”

Daniel Thomas, an associate of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, urged supporters to join the protest. “Roads are all blocked, they are never going to be able to leave here,” he said.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “This is a joke. Only Reform will send the boats back.”

The UK Government condemned what it called “intimidating and thuggish behaviour.”

A government spokesman said: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but it must never cross a line into disorder.”

Hampshire Police imposed a dispersal order until September 7 evening, warning that anyone refusing to leave could be arrested.

By Vafa Guliyeva