Key facts
- Three people have been charged in connection with anti-migrant protests at a Hampshire marina.
- Shannon Dodds, 32, faces two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.
- Sally Pearson, 31, faces assault by beating of an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offense.
- Toby Matthews, 33, faces common assault of an emergency worker.
- Dodds and Pearson were remanded in custody and will appear at Portsmouth magistrates court on Thursday, September 24.
- Matthews was bailed and must appear at Portsmouth magistrates court on November 9.
Three people have been charged in connection with anti-migrant protests that drew hundreds of demonstrators to a marina in Gosport, Hampshire, on Tuesday night. The protesters mistakenly believed a small boat carrying asylum seekers was due to arrive at the marina.
Hampshire police arrested six people at the scene. Shannon Dodds, 32, of Gosport, has been charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker. Sally Pearson, 31, also of Gosport, faces charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offense. Toby Matthews, 33, of Gosport, has been charged with common assault of an emergency worker.
Dodds and Pearson were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at Portsmouth magistrates court on Thursday, September 24. Matthews was bailed but must appear at the same court on November 9.
The protest was reportedly called by far-right campaigner Daniel Thomas, who broadcast his pursuit of asylum seekers in the Channel to a large online audience. Authorities are investigating footage of Thomas slashing an inflatable boat during a rescue operation. The vessels carrying asylum seekers ultimately landed in Dover, Kent, with 51 people on board.
Discussions between unions representing Border Force staff and the Home Office highlighted security concerns due to aggressive tactics by anti-migrant activists. The Home Office is considering using public order powers to prevent harassment of government personnel involved in rescuing small-boat arrivals. Lucy Moreton of the Immigration Services Union confirmed that the Home Office is collaborating with local police and the Ministry of Defence to enhance staff and migrant protection. Fran Heathcote, general secretary of the PCS union, condemned the protesters' behavior.
In separate incidents, a second small boat arrived near Dover, leading to the detention of 21 migrants, and five people were detained after a dinghy reached Folkestone. Defence minister Luke Pollard asserted that the UK's borders are secure but require strengthening.