Lifeboat crews sent 'threats' during migrant rescue

An investigation has been launched after "disgusting threats" were made to lifeboat volunteers via radio during an operation to bring migrants ashore.

The Home Office said 149 migrants were picked up on Sunday in a mid-Channel rescue operation by the RNLI, alongside a French vessel, and were taken to Gosport.

Hampshire police said it received reports of four suspicious broadcast messages transmitted over VHF radio in Portsmouth Harbour between 22:00 BST on Sunday and 18:00 on Monday.

Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, which was involved in the rescue, described the threats as "abhorrent" and said its crews should be able to carry out their lifesaving work "without fear of violence".

"These threats are disgusting and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our lifesaving colleagues in calling out such despicable behaviour," a spokesperson for the service said.

"We hope those responsible for such abhorrent acts are quickly found and dealt with by the police."

The RNLI would not comment on the specific incident, but said it was "unacceptable" that its crews were subject to "threats of any nature".

A spokesperson said: "We are working closely with Hampshire police and appropriate authorities, and where VHF is used inappropriately to threaten our crews, we will not hesitate to ensure robust action is taken.

"Our priority remains to care for and protect our people and their families."

Hampshire police said the broadcasts were made on an open channel on VHF radio, which is used extensively in maritime communication.

On the night of the arrival, the force arrested 12 people in connection with a protest in Gosport.

Flares were set off and there were scuffles with police during a stand-off involving about 150 anti-migrant demonstrators.

Ofcom, which is responsible for regulating and licensing VHF radio equipment in the UK, has been approached for comment.

The incident follows plans to improve security at the RNLI Lifeboat Support Centre in Poole.

The charity said its volunteers had been targeted by anti-migrant protesters after helping about 120 migrant ashore in Eastney on 6 September.