Sonic weapons have been considered as a way of deterring people seeking asylum from crossing the Channel, it has been reported.

The controversial tactic – an eardrum-shattering sound cannon – has been tested in Greece at its border with Turkey.

Known as a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), two Border Force vessels are already equipped with the technology, reports Sky News.

They are designed for long-range communications but can generate noise equivalent to a jet engine and have been used in the United States for crowd control.

According to Sky, Downing Street policy experts called for them to be used in the Channel.

However, it is understood the request was turned down by the Home Office.

Yesterday, it was revealed that the Navy is to be put in charge of reducing the number of asylum seekers reaching UK shores via boat.

The Prime Minister's plan is to give the Royal Navy "primacy" over all government-run boats operating in the Channel this month.

But the proposal was roundly condemned by charities supporting asylum seekers and political opponents.

Bridget Chapman, of Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) said the plan was part of a "chaotic pattern of sensationalist responses by the government" which has "only served to make the situation much worse".

And Kay Marsh, community engagement and migrant support co-ordinator at Dover-based charity Samphire, described news of the planned deployment of the military "both worrying and infuriating".

It was also dismissed by Labour as a gimmick designed to divert attention away from the troubled PM.

Mike Tapp, a former military intelligence officer who has also worked for the National Crime Agency and is a Labour activist from Tunbridge Wells, said there was no evidence the Navy would make much difference.

But Dover MP Natalie Elphicke welcomed the intervention.

"Everyone knows the Royal Navy rules the waves," she said. "This sends a clear message how serious Britain is about putting a stop to the small boat crossings."

It remains unclear what tactics the Navy will use to prevent people making the crossings.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman told Sky News: "Unacceptable numbers of people continue to make the dangerous Channel crossings and last November's tragic deaths serve as the strongest reminder of the need to stop them.

"The government is exploring every avenue to prevent further crossings and details of how that can be achieved will be made known in due course."