Hundreds of bikers descend on Dover for anti-immigration protest

HUNDREDS of protesters descended on a Kent town on Sunday for anti-immigration demonstrations.

- By DANIEL ESSON

More than 900 people had confirmed their attendance on Facebook for an event titled: 'Stop the boats now! 10,000+ bikers and friends illegal migrant protest ride to Dover.

The anti-immigration demonstration, organised by 'Kent Motor Heads Events,' had been in the works for months.

A counter-protest by left-wing organisation Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) was announced more recently.

There was a large police presence throughout the town in order to prevent the two groups from clashing.

In January 2016, mass violence erupted in Dover between far-right activists and anti-fascist opponents, resulting in 64 people being convicted.

There was some angry shouting in the town on Sunday - but the events passed without any arrests, police have confirmed.

About 25 counter-protesters mustered in Dover's Market Square at 12.30pm, far outnumbered by those taking part in the 'stop the boats' demo.

Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, attending the counter-protest as a member of the National Education Union, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "We need to build solidarity in our communities, they're fleeing here for safety or for a better life.

"My grandparents came here for a better life and to flee anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia, Germany and Ukraine."