Police dismiss RNLI migrant tent rumours

Police have confirmed a structure in a marina has no connection to the RNLI following speculation it was used to support migrants.

A rumour circulated on social media that the "tent" at Premier Marina, in Haslar Road, Gosport, was used by the charity and linked to migrant arrivals.

It comes after volunteers were targeted by protesters following the RNLI's role in bringing 120 migrants to shore in Portsmouth.

The force said the rumours were "misinformation" and that the structure had been used for years for storage.

"We are providing this clarification to address misinformation and to prevent unnecessary concern or speculation arising from the social media post," a spokesperson said.

James Figgins, a Reform councillor at Gosport Borough Council, also addressed the online rumours.

He said: "Let's put this to bed before this gets out of hand. No tent has been erected in Gosport for migrants. This tented structure is in Haslar Marina and is used for yacht maintenance and storage.

"Please stop this rumour as it is not warranted."

Some RNLI crew members were accused of treason, with their names and photos shared on social media, after the charity helped transport 120 migrants to Eastney Marina on 6 September.

A "silent vigil" was also held by Patriot Platform, the anti-migrant group behind the Dover and Portsmouth protests, outside the RNLI's headquarters in Poole on 9 September.

The RNLI has been approached for comment.