Migrant crossings: Record 482 cross English Channel in one dayon August 5, 2021 at 10:03 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

According to Home Office figures, there have now been 10,260 arrivals in 435 boats so far in 2021.

Border force vessel

image sourceGetty Images

At least 482 migrants crossed the English Channel in 21 small boats on Wednesday, the Home Office has said, setting a new record for a single day.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that an exercise on its firing range at Hythe had to be stopped when people landed on the beach there.

According to Home Office figures, there have now been 10,260 arrivals in 435 boats so far in 2021.

A Home Office spokesman said the crossings were “putting lives at risk”.

He said: “Law enforcement agencies are dismantling the people smuggling gangs.

“Joint work with the French has seen a doubling of police officers on French beaches. And we are reforming the pull factors here at home”.

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

UK poised to give £300m in rescue funding to British Steelon January 20, 2023 at 5:22 pm

The government is poised to help the struggling steelmaker secure thousands of jobs.Image source, Getty ImagesChancellor Jeremy Hunt is poised to grant a £300m...

New calls for buffer zones around UK abortion clinicson May 30, 2022 at 12:10 am

Some medical leaders say protest-free areas are the "only way" to protect patients and staff.

Rishi Sunak to set out energy security plans in Scotlandon July 30, 2023 at 9:30 pm

The prime minister is expected to announce millions of pounds of funding for a carbon capture project.Image source, PA MediaThe prime minister is expected...

Smudge the stranded M18 motorway kitten makes good recoveryon July 7, 2022 at 5:18 am

Smudge the kitten was rescued from the middle of the M18 motorway near Doncaster on Saturday.Smudge the kitten was rescued from the middle of...

Shinzo Abe: Japan ex-leader’s alleged killer held grudge against group – policeon July 9, 2022 at 1:23 am

The man suspected of killing Japan's ex-PM held a grudge against a group he thought Abe was part of, police say.This video can not...