A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a woman who is thought to have died trying to cross the Channel in a small boat.

The 21-year-old Sudanese national was detained by the National Crime Agency in Dover today on suspicion of illegal entry and facilitating illegal immigration.

It follows the discovery of a woman’s body on a beach at Sangatte near Calais yesterday.

The death is now being investigated by the French authorities, supported by the NCA and Kent Police.

The man in custody is suspected of having piloted a boat which reached UK waters yesterday.

NCA deputy director Craig Turner said: “This incident demonstrates the danger posed to those making these crossings.

“Targeting the criminal networks involved is a priority for the NCA, and we are working with French partners to identify those responsible for this tragic death.”

On the day the body was found, 212 people are known to have tried to cross the Channel in three small boats, according to UK government figures.

Attempts by asylum seekers to reach the UK by small craft have increased over the last five years.

Government figures show that in the year ending June 2023, there were 52,530 irregular migrants detected entering the UK.

This was up 17% from the year ending June 2022 and 85% of these arrived via small boats.