Coach to Bibby Stockholm barge blocked by Just Stop Oil protesters

Three men were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a coach and police also reported criminal damage to a police vehicle.

The coach which was carrying around 40 people from hotels in Devon to the port was temporarily blocked on the Ferrybridge on Portland Beach Road by Just Stop Oil protestors.

Protestors stood in front of the vehicle holding up a sign saying "NO PRISON SHIPS" and tried to stop it crossing the causeway onto Portland.

The protestors were swiftly arrested by police and the coach continued its journey to take the asylum seekers back to the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port.

A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: “We know that our government plan for new oil and gas is going to lead to more people being displaced from their homes.

"Forced from where they have lived for generations due to the actions of our failing politicians.

"People coming to the UK must be met with common humanity, and not housed in prison ships.

"Not on our watch. We are taking action today to show love and solidarity with all people coming to this country.

"Responding to displaced people with cruel schemes like Bibby Stockholm, the Rwanda plan, or filthy barrack housing is not a solution.

"The best way to prevent people from being forced out of their homelands is to stop our governments from planning and implementing climate disasters while protecting people's right to move and seek safety. The first step is stopping new oil and gas.”

Three men were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following the protest.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 12.43pm on Thursday, October 19, of a protest on Portland Beach Road.

"It was reported that the group attempted to stop a coach and damage was caused to the vehicle.

"Officers were at the scene facilitating a separate peaceful demonstration.

"They responded to the report and, following enquiries, two men were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

"A further report was received of criminal damage to a police vehicle and a third man was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

"The coach was able to continue its journey after a minor delay.

"Dorset Police respects people’s right to lawful protest and where possible we will work with organisers to facilitate people’s rights to demonstrate peacefully.

"However, we have a duty to ensure those involved act within the law, prevent any public disorder and ensure the local community can go about their lawful activities.

"Our enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing."

After the protestors were cleared, the asylum seekers were greeted with cheers and chants by local support groups, campaign groups and members of the public.

The welcome party, formed of Stand up to Racism Dorset, Portland Global Friendship Group and local residents (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The groups formed a welcome party, holding up banners and welcome signs.

People wrote letters to the asylum seekers, welcoming them to Portland (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Letters were also written by locals, welcoming the asylum seekers to the island, these letters were displayed on a notice board at the port gates.