Story perspectives

Police deploy 200 officers after Haslar migrant dinghy

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 10:32 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Donna Jones Deploys

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones deployed 200 officers after a 149-migrant dinghy landed at Haslar Marina.
The deployment cost at least £150,000 per operation.
Gosport council leader Zoe Huggins said police costs totalled roughly £250,000 and will seek Home Office reimbursement.
Around 300–350 anti-migrant demonstrators gathered near the marina, some setting off flares and blocking vehicles.
MP Caroline Dinenage said she received no forewarning of the migrant boat landing.

Summary

Police Treat Injured

Several police officers suffered minor injuries during the Gosport protest and were treated on site.
A person with chest pains received assistance from police and was later treated by the South Central Ambulance Service.
Authorities will review body-worn video and online posts to identify abuse and may make potentially further arrests.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 the European migrant crisis saw over one million people cross the Mediterranean, prompting the EU to launch naval patrols like Operation Sophia and a Turkey-EU action plan. The United Kingdom answered with Operation Bristol, allocating £2 billion and sending frigates that intercepted 12 vessels. The 2024 Haslar Marina landing, costing £250,000 under PCC Donna Jones, repeats the maritime response and strain on councils.

1 of 3

Donna Jones Deploys

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones deployed 200 officers after a 149-migrant dinghy landed at Haslar Marina.
The deployment cost at least £150,000 per operation.
Gosport council leader Zoe Huggins said police costs totalled roughly £250,000 and will seek Home Office reimbursement.
Around 300–350 anti-migrant demonstrators gathered near the marina, some setting off flares and blocking vehicles.
MP Caroline Dinenage said she received no forewarning of the migrant boat landing.

1 / 3