HUNDREDS of protesters have descended on Portsmouth after a migrant boat arrived on UK shores.
Around 500 demonstrators are said to have gathered after a small boat carrying suspected asylum seekers triggered a major emergency response.
6
6
Lifeboats, a helicopter and an aeroplane were scrambled as the vessel headed towards the coast.
Those on board were brought ashore by lifeboat and are understood to be undergoing routine processing.
Footage shared online showed groups being taken to shore, with several coaches waiting nearby.
Some protesters were dressed entirely in black, echoing scenes at an anti-illegal migration protest which blocked Dover port on Saturday.
READ MORE: UK News
DOVER CHAOS
Tommy Robinson associate ‘behind masked protesters who brought Dover to halt’
PORT CHAOS
‘Stop the boats’ protesters shut down Dover as Farage blasts ‘disgusting’ march
6
6
6
6
Reform’s Hampshire leader Cllr George Madgwick claimed “over 100 migrant men” had arrived in Portsmouth.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “Today a boat launched from Baie de Seine, 170 miles from Calais, arriving on the beaches of Hampshire for the very first time.
“This is a joke. Only Reform will send the boats back.”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick said: “The invasion comes to Portsmouth. Home of the Royal Navy. Reform will end this humiliation.”
Most read in The Sun
OH CHUTE
Skydiver survives 10,000ft fall after being knocked UNCONSCIOUS in mid-air
WINTER OF WAR
Zelensky warns war to rage on into winter after crunch talks with US envoys
WHO DARES BUILD
SAS facing battle with planners to stop houses being built next to base
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a report of a small boat heading towards the Hampshire coast prompted a major multi-agency response.
Border Force, Border Security Command, Hampshire Police and South Central Ambulance Service also attended.
The Home Office said more than 48,000 crossing attempts had been prevented and 1,100 boats and engines seized since the election.
A spokesman added that small boat crossings were down this year, with July recording the lowest number for that month since 2020.
The Government has also agreed a deal with France to put 40 per cent more officers on French beaches.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.