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Border Force intercept four boats carrying 57 migrants crossing the English Channel in one day

The Border Force have brought 57 migrants to Dover after four boats crossing the English Channel were intercepted today.

It comes after 59 migrants were detained yesterday, where four boats were also stopped.

The Border Force have detained 57 migrants today. Stock picture: Susan Pilcher
The Border Force have detained 57 migrants today. Stock picture: Susan Pilcher

At about 2am, a Border Force vessel intercepted a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) which was carrying a group of 15 males and one female who presented themselves as Iranian.

The second incident happened at about 6am, comprising a group of 12 males and two females who also presented themselves as Iranian.

Later on at about 1.22pm, the Border Force assisted Sussex Police and the coastguard to respond to a RHIB carrying migrants which landed near Pett in Hastings.

Twenty three-migrants were involved in this incident.

At about 2:30pm, a vessel carrying four people was intercepted.

Home office director for crime and enforcement Tony Eastaugh 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."

Those detained will be brought to Dover and will be assessed to establish whether there are any medical requirements.

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

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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