Migrant crisis: Record number tried to cross Channel to UK today, say witnesses
It is thought to be the highest daily number, surpassing the previous record of 828 migrants on 21 August.
A record number of migrants have attempted to cross the English Channel today, according to witnesses.
It’s thought at least 1,000 men, women and children were spotted making the journey from France to the UK.
The Home Office has put the figure at lower than that but cannot yet say whether the record was broken.
The previous high of 828 migrants was reached 21 August.
It is understood the number may be down to the fine weather after weeks of unsettled conditions.
A group of migrants are brought ashore from the local lifeboat at Dungeness in Kent on Monday
Lifeboat teams have been bringing groups of migrants ashore, including a baby and several young children, following a day which saw the first people escorted to safety from the Channel to Dover in more than a fortnight.
Eyewitnesses have described authorities including Border Force and the RNLI as appearing to be very busy as a steady stream of crossings was thought to be under way on calm waters and under warm, sunny skies.
French authorities were also on alert for more migrant crossings.
Local Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) teams based in Kent picked up a small boat carrying a large group of migrants at Dungeness on Monday morning.
The group were brought ashore on Monday