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HM Coastguard assist Border Force in latest migrant attempt to reach Kent

11:23, 23 November 2018

updated: 15:33, 23 November 2018

Eight suspected migrants have been detected in a dinghy off the coast today.

HM Coastguard has confirmed they assisted Border Force with the ongoing incident in Dover.

It's the latest in a spate of incidents over the past two weeks which has seen more than 80 migrants - most of which have presented themselves as Iranian - attempt to break into Britain.

HM Coastguard is assisting Border Force with the incident
HM Coastguard is assisting Border Force with the incident

A HM Coastguard spokesman said: "We can confirm we are assisting Border Force with suspected migrant activity."

Yesterday, patrols rescued 14 migrants in two separate incidents.

Coastal patrols are being stepped up as a result of the spike in migrant arrivals at Dover.

This method of arrival by the migrants moves away from the common form, hiding in the backs of lorries.

Migrant charity Samphire believes that this is because of much tighter security at borders.

A Home Office spokesperson said:“Border Force was contacted by HM Coastguard, Friday 23 November at around 7.15am.

"A Border Force coastal patrol vessel was deployed and intercepted a dinghy off the Kent Coast with eight people on board.

“The dinghy and those on board were brought into Dover where they were met by Border Force officers.

“The group consisted of eight men all of whom presented themselves as Iranian.

"On arrival all eight individuals were checked by ambulance staff but were found to be medically well.

"They will now be transferred to immigration officials for interview.”

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