Danny Tommo arrested on suspicion of 'intent to endanger life' after English Channel dinghy video
Danny Tommo has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life, according to a video he posted.
It comes just days after the 37-year-old right-wing activist, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, live-streamed footage of an interaction with a migrant dinghy in the English Channel.
After the incident, police launched an investigation, in which a migrant dinghy was allegedly cut open with a knife while a French coastguard official remained aboard the vessel.
The allegations against Mr Thomas have not yet been tested in court.
A new online video captured the moment authorities detained him.
Video uploaded to his YouTube channel shows unmarked police vehicles boxing in the car Mr Thomas was travelling in at a BP petrol station.
As officers closed in, Mr Thomas stepped out of the vehicle and made an emotional plea.
He can be heard saying in the footage: "Yep, okay, okay, if I can just speak to my kids, I'm trying to say goodbye to my kids."
One of the arresting officers responded: "At this moment in time, we have information to suggest that you have been involved in criminal damage."
A second officer was then heard saying "let's go, let's go" as Mr Thomas was handcuffed and led away from the scene.
The dinghy at the centre of the investigation had set off from a beach in Normandy carrying approximately 50 migrants.
Upon reaching the UK search and rescue zone, two RNLI lifeboats intercepted the vessel, and its passengers were moved onto a UK Border Force craft heading for Dover.
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Mr Thomas had been broadcasting live from a yellow speedboat to an audience of more than 15,000 viewers as the transfer took place.
Footage from the stream shows him approaching the emptied inflatable and producing a small blade before cutting into its rubber sides.
Although no migrants remained on the dinghy at that point, a French official from the coastguard vessel Abeille Liberté was reportedly still present on board.
Tommy Robinson responded to the detention by posting on X, claiming his ally had been arrested for "criminal damage" and "recklessly endangering someone's life."
Mr Robinson framed the incident as Mr Thomas "trying to stop the invasion of our country."
The precise circumstances surrounding the Channel confrontation and the accusations levelled at Mr Thomas have yet to be established before a court.
Police have so far declined to publicly confirm the arrest or release any additional information regarding their inquiry.
Mr Thomas, a close associate of Tommy Robinson, has in recent weeks helped organise anti-migrant protests along England's southern coastline, which drew hundreds of masked demonstrators.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said: "We are aware of a video circulating online relating to damage being caused to a boat in the English Channel on the afternoon of September 22, and we are conducting enquiries into the matter."
GB News has reached out to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary for confirmation of the arrest and any further updates.
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