Blankets and sodden clothes were stuffed into gaps between marquees to keep out the elements in “insanitary and unacceptable” conditions at asylum seeker centres.

The concerns about the facilities at three Kent sites were raised after a report noted a high risk of infection spreading through the camp with a lack of toiletries and inhabitants sleeping on cardboard boxes.

An inspection by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), the watchdog for the sites known as the Kent Coast STHF (short-term holding facilities), found particular problems at the centre in Manston, near Ramsgate.

It came after families and young children were being held for weeks despite the holding facility being allocated as “short-term centre” by the Home Office.

The report also highlighted there were inadequate numbers of basic provisions such as wash kits and clean clothes which heightened the risk of cross-contamination and transmitting disease.

The IMB observed a child whose clothes, which had been provided by the centre, continually fell down whilst he played as they were too big.

Concerns regarding coats being shared by people leaving the marquee and fears this may spread infections such as scabies.

The report also highlighted poor sleeping facilities at Manston and a lack of privacy.

‘At Manston, detained individuals were accommodated in marquees which we would describe as at best basic, at worst insanitary and unacceptable...’

During a visit, it was noted blankets had been stuffed into the gaps between the joins of the marquees and the sodden cloth to keep wind and rain out. Some were also sleeping on cardboard boxes while others only had a blanket.

The safety of the site was also flagged with the fence around the perimeter only described as “adequate” and a number of serious incidents, including the death of a man who contracted diphtheria whilst at Manston.

Following this, Daniel Sohege, a specialist in international refugee law and migrants’ rights has called for prosecution for “endangering life” at Manston and feels the people there are “being treated worse than animals”.

In a post on X, he said: “The inhumane and squalid conditions this government forces those seeking safety to live are criminal. Someone needs prosecuting over this for further endangering life. These are people needing protection. They are being treated worse than animals.”

The report stated: “At Manston, detained individuals were accommodated in marquees which we would describe as at best basic, at worst insanitary and unacceptable.

“This is a large former MoD site, so is adequately fenced around the perimeter. The Board had some concerns around the privacy of healthcare screenings.”

The IMB for the Kent Coast STHF is appointed by the Home Secretary to monitor and report on the welfare of people through observation of their treatment and of the premises in which they are held.

The report also included details of conditions at the Western Jet Foil – which replaced the former Tug Haven site in February 2022 – and the original Kent Intake Unit sites, both located in Dover docks.

“These included detained individuals being held in tents in very cold conditions, children (including babies and toddlers) and people who appear vulnerable being held at Tug Haven overnight, and injuries not being adequately identified,” inspectors said.

“The Tug Haven site was closed down from mid-January 2022.

“At all three sites, thin ‘gym’ type mats were available for those detained to sleep on. The board did not consider this desirable, especially with such a great proportion of people detained beyond the 24-hour statutory time limit. These mats were removed after being thought to be a fire hazard.”

The board is now calling for detained people to not be held at Manston for longer than 24 hours in the marquee holding rooms. It is also recommended they should be given information of their “process journey”.

Inspectors noted the welfare of detained individuals has been adversely affected by a lack of understanding of where they are moving to and why, particular within “holding rooms”.

The report said inspectors noted work has begun to address the issue but is disappointed as to the length of time being taken to solve the problem.

The board is now calling for weekly figures from Manston, with length of stay included from all contractors on the site.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are grateful for the important work of the Independent Monitoring Board.

“Since the inspection period covered in this report, there have been significant improvements made to the Kent coast short-term holding facilities, including transformation of medical services and facilities and the move to new more suitable accommodation at the Kent Intake Unit.

“The health and welfare of people in our care, and individuals working in these facilities, is of the utmost importance.”