500 Dover ‘paramilitary’ thugs storm port and depart motorists ‘fearing for all times’
A group of terrifying, thuggish protestors who have caused widespread disruption by storm Dover port have been compared to a “paramilitary” organisation by one council spokesperson
The masked protestors have been slammed by multiple officials (Image: / SWNS)
Hundreds of frightening-looking blokes in black balaclavas have been called a “paramilitary” mob after storming Dover and trapping terrified motorists in their cars.
The protesters, who were dressed almost entirely in black, blocked roads leading to the Port of Dover on Saturday morning, causing chaos for holidaymakers, lorry drivers and local workers. It is estimated that around 500 people are part of the group.
One driver called Toby Mackenzie took to social media to reveal how the shocking scene had left him fearing for his safety. He explained: “People dressed in black surrounding my car, pretty much left me fearing for my life.”
The protestors have been compared to a paramilitary group(Image: / SWNS)
Footage showed the thuggish demonstrators linking arms across the A20 and marching down the road 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 co-ordinated operation, describing them as wearing “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.
One driver said he “feared for his life”(Image: / SWNS)
“There are stacks of people who are stuck in their cars or in their workplaces as a result.”
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.
Masked men have blocked vehicles attempting to enter or leave the Port of Dover(Image: Toby Mackenzie)
“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.”
A hard-Right group also 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.
The protest has been linked to a far-right group (Image: / SWNS)
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%.
Local MP labelled the demonstrators “idiots”(Image: / SWNS)
“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.
