DOVER MP Gwyn Prosser is calling for more information to be released about the number of times asylum seekers try to escape from the Immigration Removal Centre on Dover’s Western Heights - whether they are successful or not.

It follows 11 attempted absconds from the centre in the past week. Ten were prevented while one got away.

On Monday, the Home Office said there had been two attempts on Wednesday, March 3, and five on Thursday, March 4. But none had been successful.

On Tuesday, Mr Prosser said he understood there had been 11 attempts resulting in one, a Russian, getting away - probably with outside help - and another being injured.

He stressed: “When I complained last year about transparency and security, they said they would make sure that the press and local MPs would be told. But it’s not happening and I will take that up with the appropriate person.

“They have had a review of security and at the moment there are additional new CCTV cameras being fitted around the complex and plans for a new security fence which should be installed this summer.

“We know it’s no longer a prison. We know the authorities have only limited powers to search those being held there. They can’t be locked up all day and they have not committed any crimes. So there is a different regime.

“But we do want to give local people the confidence that the system is secure and that measures are being taken to improve the physical security of the site.”