Violence fear at Dover migrant protest

There are fears of violence in Dover as rival groups are expected to assemble to demonstrate over migrant crossings.

Protesters are set to gather in the town today, amid what police said would be a “significantly increased” presence of officers.

Both pro- and anti- immig r a t i o n a c t i v i s t s h a v e announced t heir i ntention to gather in the Kent port, despite a plea from local MP Natalie Elphicke to “stay away”.

Anti- racist group Hope Not Hate has raised concerns splinter elements of the British far- right may travel to Dover. The Kent town saw ugly clashes in 2016 when rival protest groups assembled to demonstrate over immigration.

A gathering organised by Kent Anti Racism Network is scheduled to take place from 11am in Market Square. The group said: “We encourage all good people in the local communit y t o c o me d own and stand with us in support of those arriving on our shores, in the way that Kent did so proudly when welcoming refugees after World War 2.”

Meanwhile, s o meone who uses the name The Little Veteran on social media is calling on people to “shut the port down” in protest against migrant crossings.