British police have arrested anti-migration activist Daniel Thomas after footage appeared to show him cutting an inflatable dinghy in the English Channel while an emergency responder was still aboard.
Thomas, 37, was arrested on the evening of September 23 and remained in police custody the following day, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said. He is being investigated on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life, endangering the safety of a vessel and offences under maritime security and shipping laws.
The incident was reported on September 22 after a small boat carrying migrants from France had been assisted in the Channel. The migrants were taken away for processing, while an emergency responder remained aboard the dinghy.
Video shared online appeared to show Thomas approaching the vessel in another boat before using a knife to cut its inflatable side. He was heard asserting that the boat was in English territory and later indicated that his intention was to prevent it from being used again. The footage and allegations are the subject of the police investigation.
Thomas, who is also known as Danny Tommo, founded the Patriot Platform group and has organised demonstrations opposing irregular migration. The group was involved in protests in Dover and Portsmouth earlier this month, where demonstrators gathered over migrant Channel crossings.
The latest arrest came shortly after a migrant boat carrying about 50 people reached Dover following a lengthy Channel crossing from Normandy. The journey reportedly lasted around 36 hours, with the RNLI assisting the occupants after concerns were raised about their safety and deteriorating health.
Thomas has been associated with protests targeting migrant arrivals along England’s southern coast. His arrest follows increased police attention around recent demonstrations and incidents involving emergency workers.
Police have stressed that Thomas has been arrested on suspicion of offences and has not been convicted. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said he remained in custody as investigations continued.