Summary

  • There is major disruption at the Port of Dover as masked protesters block access

  • Traffic was initially stopped from going in and out of the port, but P&O Ferries says access has been restored via the A2

  • National Highways says the A20 eastbound remains closed, with around one mile (1.6km) of congestion

  • P&O and DFDS are warning of disruption to those arriving at the port, and say they will accommodate those delayed on the next available service

  • Images from the scene appear to show hundreds of demonstrators, dressed in black and wearing face coverings

  • Local Reform UK councillor Paul King says he has been told it is a "stop the boats protest" - Kent Police has not yet commented on who is behind the demonstration

  • The force says it is aware of the incident and is "engaging with protesters"

Are you at the Port of Dover?

Live Reporting

Edited by Alex Smith and Craig Hoyle

  1. A20 remains closed near Port of Dover, says National Highways

    National Highways says the A20 east between A256 (York Street) and A2 (Jubilee Way) remains closed, with around one mile (1.6km) of congestion and 25-minute delays on approach.

    In its latest update on X, it says the westbound route is "mostly clear of traffic, but remains blocked from Limekiln roundabout".

  2. Incident causing 'absolutely awful disruption' for residents, says local MP

    Mike Tapp is pictured in his official parliamentary potrait, smiling against a grey background and wearing a suit and tie.UK Parliament

    Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp, pictured above, tells the BBC the incident is causing "absolutely awful disruption" for residents.

    "My understanding is a number of individuals have travelled to the area, wearing black, wearing balaclavas, and have blocked a number of roads leading into the port area," he says.

    Paul King, Reform UK councillor for Dover West, says he has been told the demonstration is a "stop the boats protest".

    Tapp adds on Facebook: "I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption.

    "I bet if you asked any one of those 'protesters' they wouldn't know small boat crossing are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess."

    Kent Police has not yet commented on who is behind the protest.

  3. Ferry operators warn passengers of disruption

    P&O Ferries says access to the port "has been partially restored and traffic is currently able to access the port via the M2/A2, access remains restricted from the M20/A20".

    It adds services are operating "with some delay" amid the disruption, but is promising to get passengers onto the next available sailing when they reach check-in.

    Meanwhile, ferry operator DFDS says it is aware of the "current traffic disruption" and will accommodate passengers on the next departure once they arrive.

  4. Images show masked protesters blocking roads

    A row of masked men block a road at the entrance to the Port of Dover.Remco van Schellen
    A row of masked men block a roundabout. Cars and lorries are stationary on the road.Remco van Schellen

  5. Miles of congestion as protesters block traffic outside Port of Dover
    Breaking

    There is major disruption at the Port of Dover due to a large group of masked men holding a demonstration.

    National Highways says protesters are "blocking all traffic entering the port".

    Traffic is stopped in both directions on the A20 between A256 York Street & A2 Jubilee Way, it says, with around three miles (4.8km) of congestion and 30 minute delays on approach.

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

    This is a breaking news story – we’ll bring you updates here.