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First arrivals at Kent Army barracks converted into migrant camp

Napier Barracks in Folkestone
Napier Barracks in Folkestone

About 30 migrants were brought into an Army barracks in Kent, which has been repurposed as a migrant camp, on Monday night.

The Napier Barracks, in Folkestone, will eventually house 400 asylum seekers. The first arrivals at the barracks on Monday are believed to have crossed the Channel aboard small boats.

A black BMW saloon pulled up at the entrance at 7.45pm and three taxis followed the car inside the barracks. Around six men were in each people carrier, with most of them wearing face masks.

There did not appear to be any women taken into the site.

Earlier on Monday, people were seen unloading electrical equipment including vacuum cleaners and TV screens at the MoD site.

Police officers were shown around the barracks on Monday afternoon.

A catering cash and carry van was the last commercial vehicle to enter the premises shortly before 7pm.

Napier Barracks
Napier Barracks

Napier Barracks, one of several at the Shorncliffe Army Camp, was selected to house migrants while their asylum claims are processed.

The plans were met with criticism, including from local MP Damian Collins who said he "cannot support" the decision and called on the Home Office to find "more suitable" accommodation.

It is understood that a military barracks in Wales is also being considered for housing migrants.