A man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of at least 27 people who drowned while trying to cross the English Channel in a dinghy last year.

National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators, alongside officers from the National Extradition Unit, arrested 32-year-old Harem Ahmed Abwbaker in Cheltenham at about 6.45am this morning.

Abwbaker was identified and tracked down by officers who have been working with the French authorities to investigate the tragedy.

He is alleged to be a member of the organised crime group who conspired to transport the migrants to the UK in a small boat.

The vessel sank after leaving the French coast in November last year, leading to the death of all but two of those aboard.

Four people are still missing.

Following his arrest Abwbaker will remain in custody to appear before Westminster Magistrates court tomorrow, where extradition proceedings will commence.

NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner said: “This is a significant arrest, and comes as part of extensive inquiries into the events leading to these tragic deaths in the Channel.

“The individual detained today is suspected of having played a key role in the manslaughter of those who died.

“Working closely with our French partners, we are determined to do all we can to get justice for the families of those whose lives were lost and disrupt and dismantle the cruel organised criminal networks involved in people smuggling.”

Commenting on the arrest, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “My thoughts continue to be with the families of all of those who tragically lost their lives in this horrendous incident.

“I thank the NCA and other agencies across the UK and France for their tireless work to deliver justice for the victims and their families by identifying those we believe to be responsible and ensuring they feel the full force of the law.”

"We are determined to do all we can to get justice for the families of those whose lives were lost ..."

Harrowing call logs released earlier this month revealed how the British and French coastguards spoke to each other, passing the buck over and over as the tragedy unfolded.

Fifteen calls were made to the French and a boat was sent by the British but found nothing.

Those struggling in the water were falsely told help was on its way.

Within half an hour of the last call being made the French closed their mission, assuming help was no longer needed or the group had already been rescued.

Nine hours later a French fisherman discovered a deflated grey dinghy, two terrified young men moments from death and the bodies of men, women and children bobbing on the surface.

This year well in excess of 40,000 people have made the perilous crossing crammed into flimsy dinghies.