Almost 10,000 asylum seekers have crossed the Channel in small boats and arrived on UK shores this year, figures reveal.

Analysis by the Press Association shows the number of people who have made the perilous journey from France since January is closing in on the five-figure milestone.

This comes as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed 40 people travelling in a single boat were brought to shore yesterday.

A further 252 were discovered last week, after seven vessels navigated busy shipping lanes to reach British beaches.

In all, more than 28,500 asylum seekers made the crossing in 2021 – more than three times the number who made the journey the previous year.

The MoD defines a “small boat” as one of a number of vessels used by individuals who cross the English Channel “with the aim of gaining entry to the UK without a visa or permission to enter”.

A spokesman said: “This can happen either directly by landing in the UK or having been intercepted at sea by the authorities and brought ashore.

“The most common small vessels detected making these types of crossings are rigid-hulled inflatable boats, dinghies and kayaks.”

Earlier today, activists took part in a small demonstration in Dover demanding an “end” to the “invasion”.

Holding a banner that said “stop immigration”, the group marched along the A20.