- An RNLI volunteer falsely accused online of assisting small boat migrants in Portsmouth has responded to abuse, declaring he is "not a traitor" and will continue his lifesaving work.
- The volunteer, named Neil, was filmed on Sunday during an incident where 140 migrants were brought ashore, explaining his vessel was only present to illuminate the beach for the safety of protesters in the water.
- Sussex Police have launched an investigation to review abusive and intimidating social media content directed at RNLI volunteers.
- RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes strongly condemned the physical and online abuse, dismissing rumours that the charity houses asylum seekers or moves migrants to secret locations as completely baseless.
- The incident has sparked further tension, with around 50 people gathering outside the RNLI headquarters in Poole on Wednesday night to protest against the charity.
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