Masked Men Blockade Britain's Busiest Ferry Port
Masked Men Blockade Britain's Busiest Ferry Port
The News
A large group of masked men in black blocked road access to the Port of Dover on Saturday morning, halting traffic in and out of Britain's busiest ferry port.
Kent Police said officers were sent to the scene and were "engaging with protesters." The Port of Dover called it an "ongoing public order incident" affecting all routes in and out of the port and the town.
National Highways closed the A20 in both directions, with four miles of congestion. Neither the police nor the port stated what the group was protesting.
Timeline
The group arrives in Dover, according to commuter Nathan Ditchburn, who told KentOnline there were "around 300 men, maybe more" and that they had "blocked off every entrance and exit of the Dover port area," including Jubilee Way. Sky News described the group as dozens of masked men.
National Highways stops traffic on the A20 in Kent between the A256 at York Street and the A2 at Jubilee Way, reporting delays of up to 30 minutes on the approach and four miles of queues due to "protest activity."
P&O Ferries warns customers on X that access to the port is "currently restricted." DFDS also warns passengers of traffic disruption.
Kent Police confirms in a brief statement that officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters.
Reactions
Kent Police: "We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover. Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters."
The Port of Dover said the incident was "impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution," and that it was in contact with Kent Police to understand the situation.
P&O Ferries told stranded passengers: "If you miss your sailing, we will get you onto the next when you reach our check-in." DFDS said it would accommodate passengers on the next departure once they arrive.
Dover West Reform councillor Paul King said a "large number of men" had blocked the A20 and told locals to avoid the port area.
What's Next
Police remained at the scene as of the latest reports, with no arrests announced and no statement from the group. Ferry operators say passengers who miss sailings will be rolled onto later departures, and National Highways has not said when the A20 will reopen.
More
Dover is the main road link between Britain and the Continent, and a shutdown there backs up freight and holiday traffic across Kent within minutes. Photographs published by British outlets show men in black clothing and balaclavas standing along a road in Dover as lorries queue behind police vehicles.
Poll
How should police handle protesters who shut down a national port?
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