Migrants stopped by police in Hastings

Border Force and partner agencies dealt with with a number of incidents yesterday after being alerted to small boats in the Channel travelling towards the UK.

At about 6.31am a boat carrying 12 men, followed by another with ten men and eight women. At 946am 13 men were stopped.

The largest group were stopped at about 12.10pm as it was approaching Hastings and comprised of 25 men and four women.

The people presented as Iraqi, Iranian and Syrian nationals.

Tony Eastaugh, Home Office director for crime and enforcement, said: “Those facilitating these illegal crossings and the criminals behind this trade are breaking the law. If someone facilitates an illegal crossing, we will enforce the law and seek to return those with no right to be in the UK.

“We are working around the clock each day with the NCA and French law enforcement agencies to arrest and dismantle organised crime gangs in France. On a daily basis there are extra police patrols on French beaches, drones, specialist vehicles and detection equipment to stop small boats leaving European shores.”

All individuals were brought to Dover and, in line with established processes, will be assessed to establish whether there are any medical requirements, a Home Office spokesman said.

All will be transferred to immigration officials. They will be interviewed and their cases will be dealt with in line with the immigration rules, transferring to detention where appropriate.

In line with Public Health England guidance, Border Force and all operational staff have the relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available to them.