Illegal migrants in bid to get to UK via city port

Since the closure and demolition of the migrant camp at Sangatte near Calais '“ nicknamed The Jungle '“ focus has spread to other Channel ports. 

Determined refugees are prepared to put their lives on the line to get into the UK on the Caen-Portsmouth ferry crossing after camping out near the port at Ouistreham. There are three crossings a day in the summer.

French police have said they are worried about safety around Ouistreham, which was a D-Day landing spot, with so many people a day trying desperately to get on board lorries. 

They say about 200 migrants, mainly from Sudan, are putting a strain on authorities after being displaced from Calais.

'˜Every day we have people jumping onto the lorries and risking their lives,' said Frederic Aubanel, general of the Calvados police.

Migrants who are caught and removed often then pitch up on grass verges nearby at Ouistreham before trying again.

While police say they should apply for asylum only 17 per cent were granted it last year in France.

This wave of migrants has resulted in a joint operation between British and French authorities to counter the problem - with the UK committed to spending £44.5m to tackle the issue.

A Home Office spokesperson said: '˜The Sandhurst Treaty, signed by the Prime Minister in January, demonstrates the enhanced joint action by the UK and France to manage our shared border and tackle organised immigration crime.

'˜This includes a commitment from the UK to invest an additional £44.5m to protect the shared border. Part of this is being spent to reinforce the security measures in and around a smaller ports in northern France, including Ouistreham Port near Caen.'