A total 39 migrants were stopped in vessels in the English Channel

All appeared to be well but will be checked for coronavirus.

There were three incidents yesterday (Thursday) and in the first an abandoned RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat)was found on the beach at The Warren, Folkestone.

Five life jackets were also found but no migrants.

In the second incident, at around 9.30am, Border Force were alerted to a vessel outside the port of Dover, and intercepted 15 migrants.

There were 11 males and four females who presented themselves as Iranian nationals.

At the same time, in the third case, Border Force stopped a vessel carrying 24 people, including seven children. They said they were Iranian and Iraqi.

The Home Office said that all appeared to be fit and well following medical assessment and will be continuously monitored for symptoms of coronavirus.

All have since been transferred to immigration officials to be interviewed and their cases will be dealt with according to the immigration rules.

The Home Office said that in line with Public Health England guidance, Border Force and all operational staff have the relevant personal protective equipment available to them.

The HO added that priority will always be protecting the lives of vulnerable people, and arresting and dismantling the organised crime gangs.

This adds up to five migrant incidents this week, including two on Tuesday and adding up to 64 people.

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