Kent Police Warned of Dover Protests the Day Before, Force Says
BBC News reports that Kent Police received a warning about potential protests in Dover the day before they occurred, but they did not fully assess the information.
Key Points:
- Kent Police acknowledged receiving non-emergency information late on Friday about a possible protest in Dover the following day.
- The force states this information "may have allowed [them] to consider [their] resourcing," but it was not fully analyzed.
- A large group of protesters, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, blocked access to the Port of Dover on Saturday for several hours.
- Witnesses reported hearing chants of "stop the boats."
- Kent Police previously claimed they were unaware of the demonstration in advance, leading to criticism over intelligence gathering.
- The Home Office has declined to comment.
- Kent Police is conducting a review and seeking independent examination of their processes.
- No arrests were made during the protest.
"The protest organisers adopted a different approach… and as part of our commitment to public safety, we have examined our decision-making…" – Kent Police spokesperson
"It’s very disappointing… We rely on the police providing us information…" – Edward Biggs, Dover District Council Deputy Leader
"It is essential that we understand how this happened… and that lessons are learnt." – Matthew Scott, Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner
