Anti-migrant activist Danny Tommo charged with criminal damage over 'boat slashing'

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas has been charged with criminal damage and failing to disclose his phone PIN, police say.

It comes after the 37-year-old, known as Danny Tommo to his supporters, was filmed appearing to slash a boat in the English Channel with a rescue crew member on board.

The suspect, of no fixed abode, was remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Friday morning.

Hampshire Police said in a statement: "The charges follow an allegation made to police that damage had been caused to a boat in the Channel whilst an emergency responder was on board."

Thomas, who founded the anti-migration group Patriot Platform, appears to have also filmed his own arrest on another video that was streamed on his channel last night.

The footage shows him getting out of a car, which looked to be blocked in by other vehicles, at a petrol station.

He can be heard asking police if he can use his phone to speak to his children.

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News of the charge came after around 200 supporters of the activist, largely wearing black, gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening, believing that he was inside.

They arrived just before 6.30pm and stood on the road outside the investigation centre chanting "free DT".

Most were not masked, but some could be seen wearing face coverings.

After news of his charge was announced, the crowd dispersed peacefully.

Hundreds of activists also gathered in Gosport on Tuesday after Thomas filmed himself going out to sea to try to intercept a dinghy carrying dozens of migrants.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said three people had been charged after they gathered at the marina where they thought the boat's passengers were due to arrive.

Six people were arrested by officers during the evening, the force said.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Anti-migrant activist Danny Tommo charged with criminal damage over 'boat slashing'