Refugee released without charge

A REFUGEE who was accused of inappropriate conduct with a young child — which later sparked a protest outside a hotel in Dumfries — was released without charge. Police Scotland confirmed that they had received a “report of potential protection concerns” on Thursday, February 19. And a 19-year-old was arrested but was later “released without charge” and the force further stated that “enquiries are now complete”. The situation arose when Danny Thomas, who has been described as Tommy Robinson’s right-hand man, posted a number of videos on Facebook from Dumfries town centre where he approached a refugee and claimed he had a mobile phone belonging to him. Thomas stated he had found the phone in Calais and saw pictures and videos of young children on it. A later video showed Thomas trying to enter the Mercure Hotel on New Abbey Road — where the refugee was staying — but he was knocked back by security. Thomas called the police and the refugee was arrested, but the police confirmed there was no case to answer and he was released. However, the saga prompted some of the town’s residents to arrange a protest outside the Mercure Hotel last Friday night. Organiser Scott Blair shared the event on Facebook and wrote: “I am asking you all to stand up! Turn up and have our voice heard! I warned you all it would land on our streets and it has!” But Blair warned those planning to attend that “racial remarks” wouldn’t be tolerated, neither would “violence or vandalism”. In the end, about 150-200 people, both male and female of all ages, gathered outside the grounds of the hotel, which houses asylum seekers, to protest. Chants of ‘get them out’ were heard. A number of police officers were at the scene for the demonstration, which had no arrests. The road heading out to the hotel was also blocked by police. Commenting, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Thursday, February 19, 2026, police received a report of potential child protection concerns. "A 19-year-old man was arrested and later released without charge. Enquiries are now complete.” About Friday’s protest, the spokesperson added: “On the evening of Friday, February 20, 2026, officers attended a protest in New Abbey Road, Dumfries. The group later dispersed and there were no arrests.”