Danny Tommo, 37, shared a live stream where he allegedly used a knife to slash a dinghy in the English Channel while some 15,000 watched on via the internet
Far-right activist Danny ‘Tommo’ Thomas has been arrested after a video was shared that allegedly showed him slashing a dinghy in the Channel.
Thomas, 37, an associate of anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, uploaded footage onto his YouTube channel that appeared to show the moment he was arrested by police. He was seen getting out of his vehicle as officers approached him.
“Yep okay, okay, if I can just speak to my kids, I’m trying to say goodbye to my kids,” he could be heard saying. Seconds later an officer said: “At this moment in time we have information to suggest that you have been involved in criminal damage.”
One other police officer was heard commenting: “Let’s go, let’s go.” Thomas was then seen with his hands being placed in handcuffs.
His arrest comes after Thomas allegedly slashed a dinghy while a rescue worker was on board. The small boat had previously carried some 50 migrants who left Normandy, France, for the UK.
The dozens of migrants were picked up by RNLI crew after they reached the British search and rescue area. They were then transferred to a UK Border Force vessel and were later taken to Dover where they were processed.
Thomas filmed the transfer and gave commentary to the audience of some 15,000 viewers. The clip showed him manoeuvring up close to the small boat before brandishing a knife to slash the coat.
Tommo gained greater notoriety earlier this month when he was involved in a protest where hundreds of men were seen wearing black clothes and balaclavas. The group blocked roads in Dover in September 5.