Kent Police Received Protest Warning Day Before Dover Disruption

Kent Police have confirmed they received intelligence of potential protest activity in Dover a day before a demonstration caused extensive disruption to traffic accessing the port. The force stated this information 'was not fully assessed' prior to the event, which led to the closure of the A20 and considerable delays for motorists.

The protest, organised by the far-right group 'Patriotic Alternative', saw demonstrators march through Dover on a Friday, obstructing key routes and impacting port operations. Kent Police issued a dispersal order in response to the disruption.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard stated that an internal review is underway to understand why the intelligence regarding the planned protest was not adequately actioned. He emphasised the force's commitment to facilitating peaceful protest while ensuring public safety and minimising disruption to vital infrastructure like the Port of Dover. The incident has raised questions regarding intelligence handling and preparedness for anticipated public order events.