More than 400 migrants cross Channel into Dover setting new single-day record
19:16, 02 September 2020
updated: 17:03, 03 September 2020
More than 400 migrants have arrived on UK soil after crossing the Channel via small boat today, setting a new single-day record.
Border Force has dealt with 27 incidents so far since the early hours, involving a total of 409 people.
The Home Office has confirmed that further incidents are ongoing meaning the figure is set to rise.
It tops last month's figure of 235 migrants on 17 vessels.
Yesterday, Border Force dealt with 18 incidents involving 145 people. In 2020, more than 5,000 individuals have made the crossing.
Earlier today, pictures emerged of the migrants arriving at Dover .
The RNLI says it rescued at least 34 people in the Channel this morning, with one man arrested on suspicion of illegally piloting a boat.
One image shows around 18 men, some wearing masks, on board the RNLI lifeboat, Fraser Flyer, with the Border Force close by.
Another picture shows people disembarking a Border Force vessel, while in another people are seen sitting on the beach.
Social media users speculated it could be a record day.
Graham Tutthill said on Twitter: "@doverlifeboat brings migrants into Dover after pulling them from the sea.
"Looks like a record day today. Dozens of inflatables in the Channel. Others landed at St Margaret’s."
Stephen Gander added: "Roughly eight boats so far, 43 on one boat alone."
