Full Breakdown
Far-right activist Daniel Thomas arrested after livestreamed attack on migrant dinghy
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On Tuesday evening 22 September 2026 a YouTube video showed Daniel Thomas, 37, known as “Danny Tommo,” steering a yellow speedboat toward an inflatable dinghy in the English Channel. A French coastguard officer was on board the dinghy, which had previously carried roughly 50-60 migrants (Innews). The next day he was detained at a petrol station on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life and offences under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 and the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. He remains in custody.
Timeline
- 22 Sept 2026 – Police receive a report; Thomas livestreams the attack.
- 23 Sept 2026 – Thomas arrested; Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary announce the investigation.
- 24 Sept 2026 – Home Office orders an urgent review; a government spokesperson reiterates Border Security Command’s role.
Data & Statistics
- The dinghy had carried about 50-60 migrants according to the French coastguard (Innews).
- Rescued people were transferred to a Border Force vessel and taken to Dover for processing.
- Year-to-date small-boat arrivals total 17,480, a 46 % decline from the same point in 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they were “conducting enquiries” after receiving a report on 22 September and that Thomas was arrested on suspicion of destroying ships and endangering safety.
- A government spokesperson 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.”
- Education Secretary Lucy Powell called the uncontrolled landings “not acceptable” and noted the home secretary’s urgent review.
Criticism & Opposition
- The Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants labelled Thomas’s conduct “violent and dangerous.”
- Stand Up To Racism described him as “a violent far-right thug” and pledged to oppose any further actions.
- Rev. Anton Mittens called the behaviour “absolutely shocking” and urged that Thomas be locked up.
On-the-Ground Reports
- The livestream attracted more than 15,000 viewers; Thomas said, “We just wanted to make sure that boat was not taken back to France and used again.”
- Witnesses confirmed a French coastguard officer boarded the dinghy moments before the attack and that a rescue worker in orange hi-vis gear was present.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The exact number of migrants on board varies between “about 50” and “about 60” (Innews).
- No official assessment of the rescue worker’s safety has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just wanted to make sure that boat was not taken back to France and used again,” — Danny Tommo
- “Article continues below "We received a report of the incident on Tuesday evening.” — Hampshire Police
- “The Border Security Command works around the clock to protect our border and will continue to detain, check and process every small boat arrival.” — government spokesperson
- “Of course, it’s a concern. That’s why the home secretary has demanded and ordered this urgent review, because this is not what we want to see. This is not acceptable.” — Lucy Powell
- “Following news that the vessel would be docking elsewhere in the country, police were met with a group of people who remained in Gosport, some of whom became hostile towards officers.” — Police
- “What a violent far right thug Tommo is. We’re going to stop him and his hate. If he mobilises again in Portsmouth tonight, we’ll be opposing him.” — Stand Up To Racism