More than 120 migrants stopped in past week as French camp closures fuel rise in Channel crossings

More than 120 migrants have been intercepted off the British coast in the past week as officials warn that a wave of camp closures in France is behind a surge in Channel crossings. 

The Home Office said a total of 41, who identified themselves as Afghan, Turkish, Iranian and Mali nationals, attempted the journey in four separate groups on Sunday.

Two children were among 24 migrants crammed into one small boat picked up by Border Force officials off the Kent coast.

Two other men were intercepted after trying to cross the Channel in a kayak.

HM Coastguard confirmed it had helped Border Force officials with four incidents at sea on Sunday.

It came after 86 men, women and children were intercepted on Tuesday - reportedly the highest number of migrants taken in in a single day - after trying to cross from France to England in small boats.

The Home Office said it was "aware of ongoing incidents" involving UK-bound boats as events continued to unfold on Sunday night.

A wave of migrant camp closures by French police is thought to be behind the recent increase in attempted crossings.

On Friday morning, French police officers - including some apparently armed with tear gas guns - cordoned off the road by an area of wasteland and woodland on the outskirts of the port town of Calais, telling those camping there to leave and move their tents.

Refugee charity Care4Calais warned that the imminent closure of a gym in Dunkirk, where up to 1,000 migrants are living, is likely to result in more Channel crossings.

The wave of migrant camp evictions and the looming clearance of the Dunkirk gym - currently thought to be housing more than 70 families, many of whom have young children - came after a French court order was issued.

On Friday, the National Crime Agency said six people suspected of being part of organised crime groups smuggling migrants across the Channel in lorries and small boats had been arrested this week.

The number of migrants taken in by UK authorities this year has reportedly passed 1,200, with 75 returned to Europe since January.

Border Force cutters are continuing to patrol the Channel while drones, CCTV and night vision goggles are used.

Last month, Home Secretary Priti Patel said urgent action was needed to put a stop to the tide of crossings, after she met French interior minister Christophe Castaner in Paris.

The Home Office has said anyone crossing the channel in a small boat was taking a "huge risk with their life and the lives of their children".