Police working to protect RNLI in Dorset amid opposition to small boat rescues

Charity vows to keep helping asylum seekers in Channel despite rightwing abuse as protesters gather outside HQ

Three police forces on the south coast of England are working to protect lifeboat volunteers, staff and buildings from rightwing activists who blame the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for helping asylum seekers to land on the British coast.

Dozens of Dorset police officers were posted outside the charity’s headquarters in Poole on Wednesday evening as about 50 people gathered to protest against the RNLI’s involvement in the small boats crisis.