Masked protesters block access to the Port of Dover

There is major disruption at the Port of Dover due to a large group of masked men holding a demonstration.

Kent Police said it was aware of a demonstration currently taking place at the ferry terminal and was "engaging with protesters".

Traffic was initially stopped from going in and out of the port but P&O Ferries said access had been restored via the A2. Road access remains restricted via the A20.

Paul King, Reform UK councillor for Dover West, said he had been told the demonstration was a "stop the boats protest", while images from the scene appear to show hundreds of protesters, all dressed in black and wearing face coverings.

Police are marching protesters towards Dover Priory railway station. The demonstrators have been chanting: "Stop the boats".

P&O said it would get passengers on to the next available sailing if they missed their scheduled crossing.

Ferry operator DFDS said it was aware of the "current traffic disruption" and would accommodate passengers on the next departure once they arrived.

Traffic is stopped in both directions on the A20, between the A256 York Street and the A2 Jubilee Way in Dover, according to National Highways.

It is reporting three miles (4.8km) of congestion on the A20 and a further mile of tailbacks on the M20.

Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp told the BBC the incident was causing "absolutely awful disruption" for residents.

"My understanding is, a number of individuals have travelled to the area, wearing black, wearing balaclavas, and have blocked a number of roads leading into the port area," he said.