Police investigate after RNLI volunteers 'branded traitors and addresses shared online'

Police investigate after RNLI volunteers 'branded traitors and addresses shared online' Sussex Police have launched a probe after lifeboat volunteers were branded 'traitors' and their names, addresses and pictures were shared online following far-right disturbances in Portsmouth Police are investigating after RNLI volunteers were branded "traitors" and their names, addresses and pictures shared online after rescuing asylum seekers in the English Channel. The two men were identified in a social media post after they helped a dinghy with 120 people on board to safety in Portsmouth on Sunday. Sussex Police said on Wednesday that "investigations are ongoing" into "offensive and threatening commentary" towards RNLI volunteers circulating on social media. Chief Insp Adam McCaig said: “We would advise anyone considering carrying out any action that could hinder the RNLI's vital lifesaving work to carefully consider the implications. The RNLI exists to save lives at sea, and any disruption to that mission could have serious consequences for those in need of urgent assistance.” One post on X, which appeared to identify two volunteers, stated: "We now have names for these two traitors helping 140 asylum seekers into our country last night. Putting woman (sic) and children at risk of rape." MPs have called for action to stop "doxxing" - posting people's names and personal details online - with demands that it should be made a criminal offence. Digital Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Tuesday that she had spoken with tech firms about how the names, addresses and photographs of RNLI staff and volunteers were reportedly shared online. Vikki Slade, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, had asked her about "very disturbing posts" on social media identifying "brave RNLI rescuers". Ms Nandy told the Commons: "It is something that the government is concerned about [and] I'm personally concerned about." Demonstrators blocked roads in Portsmouth on Sunday in an effort to stop 140 people who arrived at the Eastney Landing ferry port with the RNLI's assistance. RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes said the abuse of volunteers was "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society". He condemned threats by "those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard" and said there had been "deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding" about the charity. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Sparkes added: "Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse. "The RNLI's people represent the very best in our society, they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe." He continued: "We will take whatever steps we can, to care for and protect our people and their families." The protest in Portsmouth followed a separate demonstration the previous day, in which hundreds of masked men blocked the Port of Dover. Toby Merritt-Smith, who was stuck on his yacht as Portsmouth marina went into lockdown on Sunday, said some people went to the area "for a fight". He said: "Peaceful protest is OK, but this certainly wasn't that. They were just coming by the hundreds, we watched bottles being thrown, police officers being hit, fences being ripped down, chains being cut off the gates into our marina." Hampshire Police said an investigation is under way. Sussex Police said in a statement on Wednesday: "We are aware of offensive and threatening commentary towards RNLI volunteers circulating on social media. We are proactively supporting our partners in the RNLI regarding the safety of their staff and volunteers. Investigations are ongoing to establish if there are any criminal offences in the social media content." The force said that anyone with concerns regarding this, can report online or call 101.