Searches underway in English Channel after eight migrants are detained on Kent coast

Search and rescue operations are taking place in Kent
PA
Stephanie Cockroft31 August 2019

Searches are taking place in the English Channel after eight suspected migrants were detained on the Kent coast.

Border Force said earlier it was responding to a "number of incidents" out at sea.

Kent Police said that eight people suspected of getting out of a dinghy on the shore at Kingsdown had been passed to immigration officers.

Coastguard rescue teams were sent from Folkestone and Deal to help with the operations on Saturday morning.

Their spokeswoman said that crews are concerned with "rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities".

She added: "HM Coastguard has been coordinating a search and rescue response to a number of incidents on the Kent coast, working with Border Force, Kent Police and other partners."

By Friday more than 220 migrants, including at least 40 children, had been intercepted by UK and French authorities since Thursday last week.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Friday that urgent action is needed to tackle the migrant crisis in the Channel, adding that plans are being drawn up "immediately" to deal with the problem.

Her comments came following a meeting with French interior minister Christophe Castaner in Paris on Thursday, where the pair agreed to step up resources to intercept and stop the wave of crossings in small boats.

The prospect of British financial support for efforts to stem the flow of crossings from France was discussed at the meeting, according to the French AFP news agency, and Mr Castaner said that money from London would "reinforce patrols and improve effectiveness".

Last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned illegal migrants they would be sent back if they risked crossing the Channel.

He said: "If you come illegally, you are an illegal immigrant and I'm afraid the law will treat you as such."

The Home Office have been approached for comment.

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