Anti-migrant protest at Dover amid face mask ban

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Kent Police believed about 100 anti-migrant protesters turned up in Dover on Saturday

Anti-immigration protesters have gathered in Dover amid police restrictions and warnings against the use of face coverings.

Earlier, police vehicles lined the streets outside Dover Priory Station, which was the starting point of the march.

Kent Police said these "robust" preparations were aimed at keeping disruption to a minimum, after a protest last month caused significant delays at the port.

A spokesperson for the force said no arrests had been made on Saturday, and estimated that about 100 anti-migrant protesters had turned out.

A counter-protest was also held at Pencester Gardens, attended by fewer than 100 people according to the force.

Police had announced a face covering ban would be in force on Saturday from 08:00 to 21:00 BST and would apply to those taking part in the protest.

The area of the ban covers parts of Dover, including Buckland, Whitfield, Guston, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe and surrounding areas.

People covering their faces for religious, health or work-related reasons are not affected.

Kent Police wrote on social media: "We understand the impact of protests on the residents and businesses of Dover and will not stand for any disorder that may occur."

The force added that a "substantial" number of highly-trained officers were stationed in the town centre.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Counter-protesters also turned out in Dover

Demonstrations are common in Dover, where migrants picked up from small boats in the English Channel are brought ashore.

Anti-migrant protesters from South Coast Patriots and anti-racism demonstrators from Southampton Stand Up To Racism also gathered in Southampton city centre on Saturday.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Kent Police said no arrests had been made so far

In September, a group of masked men caused major disruption near the Port of Dover, and were heard chanting "stop the boats".

The demonstration caused significant delays to the port's operations, as well as ferry passengers.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Demonstrations in Dover are common, where migrants from small boats are brought ashore

Kent Police were criticised for their "slow response", with the force adding that it was a "spontaneous protest".

The force told the BBC lessons had been learnt from last month's demonstrations, and it had improved its responses to such incidents.

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