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Masked protesters block access at Port of Dover

Craig BuchanSouth East
News imageRemco van Schellen A row of masked men block a road at the entrance to the Port of Dover.Remco van Schellen
Port of Dover said there was an "ongoing public order incident"

Masked demonstrators are preventing traffic from accessing the Port of Dover.

Kent Police said it was aware of a protest "currently taking place" at the ferry terminal and was "engaging with protesters".

Traffic has been stopped from going in and out of the port.

Images from the scene appear to show hundreds of protesters, all dressed in black and wearing face coverings.

P&O Ferries said it would get passengers on to the next available sailing if they missed their scheduled crossing.

Ferry operator DFDS said it was aware of the "current traffic disruption" and would accommodate passengers on the next departure once they arrived.

Traffic is stopped in both directions on the A20, between the A256 York Street and the A2 Jubilee Way in Dover, according to National Highways.

It is reporting four miles (6.4km) of congestion and delays of up to 30 minutes.

News imageRemco van Schellen A row of masked men block a roundabout. Cars and lorries are stationary on the road.Remco van Schellen
Images from the scene show protesters all dressed in black and wearing face coverings

Port of Dover said the "ongoing public order incident" was affecting all routes in and out of the port and town.

In a statement, it added: "We are in contact with Kent Police to understand the situation.

"This situation is impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution."

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