Protesters block road near Port of Dover in the UK
In Dover, United Kingdom, a large group of people dressed in black and wearing balaclavas blocked a road near the port. As a result, traffic on the A20 to and from the port was halted in both directions, The Guardian reports.
A20 closure
Kent Police said it was aware of the protest. Officers arrived at the scene and are engaging with the participants. The Port of Dover administration described the situation as an incident related to a breach of public order.
According to National Highways, the A20 was closed in both directions between the A256 near York Street and the A2 at Jubilee Way. The blockade caused a four-mile traffic queue, while delays reached 30 minutes.
The port said the restrictions affected all entry and exit routes, as well as traffic in the town. Videos and photographs circulated online show masked people standing on the road next to police vehicles and lorries caught in the traffic jam.
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Response from local services
Eyewitness Nathan Ditchburn told KentOnline that he saw the group arrive at around 6:45. He estimated that there may have been around 300 men or more, though police did not confirm the number of participants. He also said that all entrances and exits from the port area and Jubilee Way had been blocked.
The local Dover Waterfront Parkrun was cancelled because the route was unsafe or blocked. Labour MP Mike Tapp criticised the participants for causing disruption to the port's operations.
Local Reform councillor Paul King urged residents to avoid the port area. He said he had been told it was a “stop the boats” action — a protest against the arrival of small boats carrying migrants.
DFDS said that because of access problems at the port, it would place customers on the next sailing after they arrive. P&O Ferries said its sailings were operating on schedule, and passengers who missed a departure would be offered the next available crossing.
