24th September, 2026 | News

Anti-Migrant Protester Danny Tommo Arrested After Channel Boat Damage Incident

Anti-migrant protester Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, has been arrested in the UK after police said an inflatable boat carrying an emergency responder was damaged in the English Channel.

Thomas, 37, was arrested on Wednesday, September 23, on suspicion of offences including criminal damage with intent to endanger life and conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals.

Police Arrest Danny Tommo Over Channel Incident

Hampshire Police said they received a report of the incident on Tuesday evening.

The force said a 37-year-old man of no fixed abode was subsequently arrested on suspicion of several offences, including destroying or damaging ships or fixed platforms or endangering their safety under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990.

He was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Police said he remained in custody.

Video Appears to Show Boat Being Damaged

The arrest followed the publication of a video online in which Thomas appears to damage an inflatable boat with a knife.

In the footage, Thomas can be seen approaching the vessel, which had reportedly been used by people smugglers to transport migrants across the Channel.

A member of a rescue crew had reportedly boarded the boat to take it back towards France when Thomas appeared to damage it.

The footage also appears to show Thomas shouting while using the knife against the vessel.

Thomas Founded Patriot Platform

Thomas is the founder of the anti-migration group Patriot Platform and has previously posted videos documenting his activities at sea.

He also appeared to record his own arrest in another video broadcast on his online channel.

The footage reportedly shows police approaching him at a petrol station after his vehicle appeared to have been blocked by other vehicles.

Thomas was heard asking officers whether he could use his phone to speak with his children.

An officer told him that police information indicated he had been involved in criminal damage that had recklessly endangered someone’s life. Thomas repeatedly responded that he understood.

Protest Follows Migrant Boat Arrival

The arrest came amid protests linked to migrant arrivals in the English Channel.

Hundreds of activists gathered in Gosport on Tuesday after Thomas reportedly filmed himself travelling out to sea in an attempt to intercept a small boat carrying migrants.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said three people were charged following a gathering at a marina where protesters believed migrants would arrive.

Police also said six people were arrested during the evening.

Police Investigation Continues

The latest arrest forms part of an ongoing police investigation into the damage caused to the boat and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Thomas remains in police custody, according to Hampshire Police.

The allegations against him have not been tested in court, and an arrest does not mean a person has been found guilty of an offence.