This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-52527734

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Border Force intercepts 49 migrants off Kent coast Channel migrants: More than 100 people bid to reach UK in 24 hours
(about 5 hours later)
Forty-nine migrants on board three dinghies were intercepted on Sunday morning, the Home Office has confirmed. More than 100 suspected migrants have attempted to reach the UK from France in the past 24 hours.
The 43 male and six female passengers were found sailing towards the Kent coast between 05:00 and 06:00 BST. A French patrol vessel collected 27 people from two separate boats off the coast near Boulogne in the early hours of Monday.
Minister for immigration compliance Chris Philp said the government was working "to dismantle and arrest gangs" involved in people smuggling. A third vessel was escorted into Dover by Border Force officials.
More than 10 people smugglers have been jailed this year as a result of Immigration Enforcement investigations. The Home Office said three more dinghies, with 49 people on board, were intercepted on Sunday morning, while another 31 were stopped in France.
Shortly after 01:00 BST on Monday, a small boat containing eight men, two women and six children, was found in trouble just off the French coast near Cap Gris-Nez.
French maritime officials said its engine had fallen into the water.
The occupants and their boat were taken to border police in Boulogne.
Heading for Kent
A second small boat, containing 11 people including four women and a child, was then intercepted by the French Public Service Patrol ship Cormoran.
The UK Coastguard said a third boat was found in UK waters, but details have not yet been released.
On Sunday morning, 49 suspected migrants were intercepted as they headed for the Kent coast in three dinghies.
The Home Office said the 49 individuals were being interviewed by immigration officials, as a further 31 people were prevented in France from travelling to the UK.The Home Office said the 49 individuals were being interviewed by immigration officials, as a further 31 people were prevented in France from travelling to the UK.
"Criminals are abusing vulnerable men, women and children by trafficking them across the Channel," Mr Philp added. Minister for immigration compliance Chris Philp said: "Criminals are abusing vulnerable men, women and children by trafficking them across the channel."
"This illegal and criminal activity is subject to heavy law enforcement activity by Border Force, the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and French law enforcement." Home Secretary Priti Patel spoke to her French counterpart last week about possible ways of returning more migrants to France.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has been in touch with her French counterpart this week to discuss new approaches to tackling the issue and how more migrants can be returned to France, according to the Home Office. The government said coronavirus had had no impact on the response to small-boat incidents, and border control staff have PPE available to them.
The Government said coronavirus had had no impact on the response to small boat incidents, and border control staff have PPE available to them.