RNLI VOLUNTEER DENIES TRAITOR CLAIM AFTER ONLINE ABUSE

An RNLI volunteer identified as Neil has stated he is "not a traitor" following online abuse after being filmed near Portsmouth Harbour on Sunday night. His image was shared on social media during anti-migrant protests as approximately 140 people were brought ashore and transported by coach to a processing centre. Some social media users called him a "traitor" and accused him of endangering women and children, while one post claimed to identify him by name. Sussex Police launched an investigation on Thursday to review abusive social media content directed at volunteers.

Neil said his RNLI vessel was positioned to illuminate the beach for the safety of protesters who had entered the water. He has volunteered with the RNLI for more than a decade and stated he would continue his rescue work. Peter Sparkes, chief executive of the RNLI, issued a statement on Tuesday describing recent events as generating "deliberate misinformation" about the charity's purpose and lifesaving work. Sparkes said volunteers and staff had faced online abuse and, in some cases, physical threats directed at them and their families.

The RNLI has received both criticism and support in recent days. Around 50 people gathered outside the RNLI's headquarters in Poole on Wednesday night to protest against the charity over the small boats migrants issue. Separately, supporters have publicly thanked RNLI volunteers for their rescue work, with one social media user writing: "Thank you to all the RNLI volunteers who put themselves at risk to rescue every person in distress on the water."