Convicted criminal turned anti-migrant activist ‘Danny Tommo’ is being investigated by police after he livestreamed himself slashing a dinghy while a rescuer was still onboard.
It came during a 38-hour confrontation in the English Channel which saw Thomas’ hard-Right Patriot Platform activists trying to stop the dinghy reaching Britain.
All 51 migrants onboard were picked up by the RNLI being transferred onto a Border Force vessel and landed last night in Dover, where they were taken away in coaches accompanied by a police escort.
Footage shows Thomas – who was jailed in 2016 for an attempted kidnapping – bringing his boat alongside the dinghy yesterday afternoon after the migrants had been moved on to a lifeboat.
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Seconds later, a French rescuer stepped onto the empty dinghy to secure it, before the activist sliced through one side of it.
‘You’re on English territory. This is England, this is not France any more,’ he told the rescuer.
He then shouted at the Frenchman to get off the dinghy and return to his own boat.
‘Get off the boat, you’ve got time to get off the boat,’ he said several times before shouting ‘let’s go’ and sailing off.
Thomas told his followers that the migrants from the dinghy were being taken towards Gosport – where a crowd of black-clad protesters from Patriot Platform were waiting for them.
But the migrants were instead taken ashore at Dover at 12.30am today after completing an unprecedented 38-hour voyage to the UK from Normandy.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they are ‘aware’ of the dinghy-slashing video, which appears to have been filmed at around 4pm yesterday.
‘We are aware of a video circulating online relating to damage being caused to a boat in the English Channel on the afternoon of September 22, and we are conducting enquiries into the matter,’ a spokesman said.
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Another packed dinghy was seen departing from Hardelot in northern France this morning.
Meanwhile, the body of a man in his 20s was found on a beach in the nearby town of Neufchâtel-Hardelot.
The man was found by three journalists and he has been identified in local media as a migrant.
A taxi boat had recently left the area with 80 migrants onboard, according to reports.
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The anti-migrant activist – real name Daniel Thomas – brought his boat up alongside the dinghy after all the migrants on board had been picked up by the RNLI
Seconds later, a French rescuer stepped onto the empty dinghy to secure it, before Thomas sliced through one side of it
The French rescue worker did not react after the activist slashed the dinghy with a knife
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Migrants heading to the UK this morning in a dinghy from Hardelot in northern France
Migrants pictured today on a beach in northern France, where they were confronted by British anti-migrant activists
The migrants who arrived in Britain yesterday left from Port-en-Bessin, north of Bayeux in Normandy, just before 10am on Monday – before they were landed in Dover just after midnight.
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It is thought to be the longest duration of any voyage undertaken by small-boat migrants – prompting the Conservatives to brand the episode a ‘fiasco’.
Following reports that the dinghy was to dock in Gosport, in Hampshire, hundreds of protesters turned out in the town – and in nearby Portsmouth – but the effort dissipated after the boat was rerouted to Dover.
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Hampshire Police described some of those who remained in Gosport as ‘hostile’ towards officers and said six people were arrested.
Hampshire police said two men from Salisbury, aged 19 and 36, had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass; and four people from Gosport – two men aged 33 and 67, and two women aged 31 and 32 – were held on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
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The 67-year-old was also held on suspicion of careless driving.
About a dozen protesters were seen in Dover as the migrants arrived, and officers closed nearby roads in anticipation.
The dinghy incident raised serious questions over the effectiveness of Labour‘s £662million deal with the French to prevent crossings.
French authorities, who shadowed the dinghy across the Channel, said they decided not to intervene due to safety concerns.
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As tides took the boat back towards the French coast on Monday evening, it was so close to shore another 10 to 15 migrants were able to board, it is claimed.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: ‘This latest fiasco shows that the French are not even trying to stop the illegal immigrants’ boats in French waters – instead they are escorting them here.
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‘Our border security has descended into chaos with migrants crossing at will over ever larger distances and in ever larger boats.
‘The Government’s claim to smash the gangs is laughable and their deal with the French is clearly not working.
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‘The Conservatives have a plan to end all accommodation and benefits for illegal immigrants, and instead deport them on arrival.
Then, these farcical crossings would soon stop.’
Four French lifeboats plus the search-and-rescue tugboat Abeille Liberté, along with a French Navy helicopter, were scrambled to the 40ft dinghy’s location on Monday.
A spokesman for local rescue services said: ‘The boat was in a very bad way, and very low in the water, with just a single small outboard motor to power it.
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‘The sea was calm, and weather conditions were good, but the decision was taken to escort the boat, without intervening.’
The Abeille Liberté continued to follow the migrant boat yesterday morning and afternoon.
At about 4.30pm, the migrants were transferred from their dinghy to two RNLI lifeboats.
Half an hour later, they switched to Border Force’s HMC Vigilant.
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A dinghy with at least 60 migrants on board began its 38-hour journey escorted by the French Navy
Before the French sailors handed over to the RNLI in the Channel
Protesters – some wearing masks – gathered in Gosport and Portsmouth as reports suggested the dinghy may dock nearby
Hampshire Police said it made six arrests in Gosport after some protesters who remained on the streets became ‘hostile’ towards officers
Photos last night showed the migrants making their way into a Border Security Command compound in Dover
The cutter then headed towards Gosport but last night the town’s Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage said she was ‘pleased’ Border Force had confirmed the migrants were instead being taken ‘to Dover by water as we asked’.
She added: ‘This must now set a clear precedent.
If further boats are intercepted in our part of the Channel, they should be taken straight to Dover.’
Hampshire Police said it was investigating a reported slashing of a boat in the Channel after a video appearing to show the attack was posted on social media.
Migrants are normally processed at Manston, near Ramsgate.
This incident comes just over two weeks after a mega-dinghy with 120 migrants aboard was brought into Eastney Marina, three miles from Portsmouth’s main harbour, sparking protests.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday how a migrant boat reached Folkestone in Kent without being intercepted by UK Border Force.
The migrants then arrived in Dover at around midnight.
Defence minister Luke Pollard said a Home Office investigation was under way.
Some 17,480 migrants have arrived after crossing the Channel by boat so far this year, including 5,011 since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
A Government spokesman said: ‘The Border Security Command works around the clock to protect our border and will continue to detain, check and process every small boat arrival.’
SHOCKING: CHANNEL CONFRONTATION TAKES A TERRIFYING TURN AS ‘DANNY TOMMO’ SLASHES A MIGRANT DINGHY WITH A RESCUE WORKER STILL ONBOARD!
A dramatic confrontation in the English Channel has sparked a major political and public safety controversy after anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, better known online as Danny Tommo, was filmed apparently slashing an inflatable dinghy while an emergency rescue worker was still aboard.
The extraordinary footage, which Thomas livestreamed on social media, has raised serious questions about maritime safety, the limits of political protest, and the increasingly confrontational atmosphere surrounding Britain’s immigration debate.
What makes the incident particularly serious is that it occurred during an ongoing rescue operation involving people who had spent more than 30 hours at sea attempting to reach the United Kingdom.
Instead of remaining a distant political observer, Thomas approached the abandoned inflatable vessel and appeared to damage it with a blade.
The images quickly attracted attention, triggering criticism from refugee organizations, political campaigners, and members of the public.
But the incident was only the beginning of a much wider confrontation.
A Rescue Operation Takes an Unexpected Turn
The events unfolded on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, when a small boat carrying dozens of people was making its way across the English Channel from France.
The journey had reportedly lasted more than 33 hours, with passengers experiencing difficult and potentially dangerous conditions.
French maritime authorities had monitored the situation, and concerns were growing about the condition of those aboard.
According to reports, approximately 50 to 60 people were involved in the crossing, although published accounts gave slightly different figures.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) became involved in the rescue operation, helping transfer passengers from the inflatable vessel.
The migrants were subsequently transferred to a Border Force vessel.
At this stage, the rescue operation should have been moving towards completion.
However, the empty dinghy remained in the water, and that was when the confrontation involving Danny Tommo began.
The Moment Captured on Camera
Thomas had been following the small boats in his own vessel and broadcasting his activities online.
Footage from his livestream appeared to show him approaching the abandoned dinghy while rescue personnel were still dealing with the vessel.
A rescue worker wearing high-visibility clothing and a helmet had stepped aboard the inflatable.
Thomas could then be seen holding what appeared to be a knife and attempting to cut into the side of the dinghy.
During the confrontation, he shouted: “This is England. This is not France any more.”
He also told the rescue worker to get off the boat.
The livestream captured the sound of air escaping from the inflatable as Thomas continued damaging it.
The rescue worker subsequently returned to the larger rescue vessel.
The footage did not establish that the rescue worker had been physically injured, but the circumstances immediately raised concerns about the danger created by interfering with an active maritime operation.
Thomas later defended his actions by arguing that he wanted to prevent the vessel from being reused by people smugglers.
However, his explanation did not remove the serious safety questions surrounding the incident.
Why the Incident Has Sparked Such Strong Reactions
The English Channel is already one of the most closely watched areas of Britain’s immigration debate.
Every year, thousands of people attempt to cross the water in small inflatable vessels, often under dangerous conditions.
The issue has generated political disagreements between the British and French governments, with discussions focusing on border security, human trafficking, rescue operations, and the responsibilities of maritime authorities.
Danny Tommo has become a recognizable figure among anti-migration campaigners.
He has used social media to organize demonstrations and promote his political views through the Patriot Platform movement.
His supporters argue that the British government has failed to address public concerns about illegal immigration and small-boat crossings.
Opponents argue that his confrontational approach risks creating dangerous situations and increasing hostility towards migrants and rescue personnel.
The dinghy incident has brought these competing arguments into particularly sharp focus.
Whatever someone’s position on immigration policy, interfering with an emergency rescue operation creates risks that go beyond ordinary political disagreement.
The Migrants Had Already Experienced a Dangerous Journey
One important detail should not be forgotten amid the political controversy.
The people aboard the inflatable had reportedly spent more than 33 hours at sea.
According to reports from French maritime authorities, the passengers had been travelling in precarious conditions and had declined earlier assistance.
The prolonged journey raised concerns about their physical condition and the possibility of a serious emergency.
The RNLI’s involvement demonstrated the importance of maritime rescue services, which operate to protect lives regardless of nationality or immigration status.
Rescue workers must make decisions based on immediate safety concerns.
They cannot simply ignore people in danger because the circumstances surrounding their journey have become politically controversial.
This principle is fundamental to maritime rescue operations.
It also explains why interference with rescue personnel is treated so seriously.
Police Launch an Investigation
Following the circulation of the footage, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that officers were investigating an incident involving damage to a boat in the English Channel.
Thomas was subsequently arrested on 23 September 2026.
Police initially investigated several potential offences, including criminal damage with intent to endanger life and offences relating to maritime safety.
On 24 September, the force confirmed his arrest following the incident.
The following day, Thomas was charged with criminal damage and failing to disclose the PIN to his mobile phone.
He appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court via video link on 25 September and pleaded not guilty to the criminal damage allegation.
The case subsequently entered the court process.
It is important to distinguish between an allegation, a criminal charge, and a conviction. The charges do not establish guilt, and Thomas is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven otherwise.
Nevertheless, the incident has placed renewed attention on the legal responsibilities of individuals who approach emergency vessels during maritime operations.
Gosport Protests Add Another Layer of Tension
The confrontation at sea was followed by another controversial development on land.
Thomas had encouraged supporters to gather in Gosport, Hampshire, where they believed the rescued migrants would be brought ashore.
Hundreds of protesters subsequently gathered in the area.
However, the expected arrival did not take place as originally anticipated.
The migrants were instead transported by Border Force towards Dover.
Police were deployed to manage the gathering, and several arrests followed.
Authorities reported arrests involving alleged assaults on emergency workers and aggravated trespass.
The developments demonstrated how quickly an incident at sea could become a wider public-order challenge.
The controversy was no longer limited to the damaged dinghy. It had expanded into a confrontation involving protesters, emergency personnel, police officers, and immigration authorities.
The Wider Battle Over Britain’s Immigration Policy
The incident has reopened difficult questions about how Britain should respond to small-boat crossings.
Successive governments have struggled to establish an approach that simultaneously addresses border security, human trafficking, asylum applications, and the protection of people in danger at sea.
Some politicians argue that stronger enforcement and cooperation with France are essential to reducing crossings.
Others emphasize the importance of expanding safe and legal routes, improving asylum processing, and tackling the criminal networks responsible for dangerous journeys.
These policy disagreements remain unresolved.
There is also an important distinction between opposing illegal migration and interfering with emergency rescue operations.
People have every right to criticize immigration policy, organize peaceful demonstrations, and demand stronger border controls.
However, those rights do not automatically extend to damaging vessels in ways that could endanger rescue personnel or obstruct emergency operations.
The same principle applies regardless of political affiliation.
Social Media and the Politics of Confrontation
The livestream has also highlighted the growing influence of social media in modern political activism.
Political campaigners can now broadcast confrontations directly to large audiences without relying on traditional news organizations.
This creates opportunities for public transparency, but it also raises concerns about behaviour designed for online attention.
A confrontation recorded and distributed online can quickly become a political symbol.
Supporters may interpret the footage as an act of resistance against government immigration policy.
Critics may view the same footage as evidence of intimidation and dangerous interference.
Neither interpretation replaces the need for an independent investigation and proper legal proceedings.
The public should examine the complete footage, reliable reporting, and subsequent court developments rather than relying exclusively on short social media clips.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Line Between Protest and Interference
The Danny Tommo incident has become one of the most controversial confrontations surrounding Britain’s Channel migration debate in September 2026.
The footage raises serious questions about maritime safety, the protection of emergency personnel, and the boundaries of political activism.
Thomas says his actions were intended to prevent a migrant boat from being reused by people smugglers. However, the presence of a rescue worker aboard the vessel made the incident particularly concerning.
His subsequent arrest and criminal charges demonstrate that authorities considered the allegations serious enough to require formal investigation and legal proceedings.
At the same time, the wider immigration debate cannot be reduced to one confrontation.
Britain must still address the reasons people attempt dangerous Channel crossings, the activities of human trafficking networks, the effectiveness of border enforcement, and the protection of those involved in rescue operations.
The country also needs to ensure that political demonstrations remain peaceful and that emergency workers can perform their duties without intimidation or unnecessary danger.
Ultimately, the most important question is not simply which side of the immigration debate attracts the most attention.
It is whether Britain can manage its borders, uphold the law, and protect human life without allowing political confrontation to undermine public safety.
The English Channel is already dangerous enough. Emergency rescue operations should never become another battleground for political conflict.