Hundreds Chant 'Free DT' Outside Basingstoke Police Station After Danny Tommo Charged With Criminal Damage

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke chanting 'Free DT' after anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, was charged with criminal damage following an incident in the English Channel.

The demonstration took place on Thursday evening, 24 September, as Thomas remained in custody. Protesters gathered outside the Hampshire police facility carrying Union flags, while officers monitored the crowd.

Hundreds Gather Outside Police Station

Several hundred people arrived outside the Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre shortly before 6.30pm following calls on social media for supporters to gather.

Footage shared online showed demonstrators repeatedly chanting 'Free DT', referring to Thomas by the initials associated with his Danny Tommo name. Many protesters wore black, while some had face coverings. Union flags were also visible among the crowd.

Police officers positioned themselves between protesters and the entrance to the investigation centre as the demonstration continued into the evening.

The demonstration was reported to have remained largely peaceful, and the crowd dispersed after news emerged that Thomas had been charged. The gathering followed several days of tensions surrounding small-boat crossings on the south coast.

What Has Danny Tommo Been Charged With?

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that Thomas, 37, of no fixed abode, had been charged with one count of criminal damage. He was separately charged under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for allegedly failing to comply with a notice requiring him to disclose a phone PIN.

Police said the charges followed an allegation that a boat in the English Channel had been damaged while an emergency responder was on board. Thomas was remanded in custody and was due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court via video link on Friday, 25 September.

The charges relate to an incident on Tuesday, 22 September. Footage circulated online appears to show Thomas using a blade to damage an inflatable boat while an emergency responder remained aboard. The circumstances surrounding the alleged damage are now subject to active criminal proceedings.

Channel Incident Sparked Police Investigation

The incident occurred as protesters gathered in Gosport while following developments surrounding the small-boat crossing. Hampshire police said officers had been deployed to facilitate peaceful protest, protect the local community and support partner agencies responding to the situation at sea.

After information emerged that the vessel would dock elsewhere, police said some people remaining in Gosport became hostile towards officers. Six people were arrested for alleged offences including careless driving, assaulting an emergency worker and aggravated trespass.

Police also confirmed at the time that they were aware of a video circulating online showing damage being caused to a boat and had begun inquiries.

Thomas was subsequently arrested on Wednesday before being charged the following evening. His detention quickly became another rallying point for supporters, culminating in hundreds gathering outside the Basingstoke facility.

The case has now moved from a viral confrontation in the Channel to criminal proceedings, with Thomas remanded in custody and the allegations against him due to be considered by the court.

Further hearings will determine how the criminal case proceeds next.