An asylum seeker who was housed at a recently-formed accommodation centre in Folkestone has tested positive for Covid-19.

Over the past month, hundreds of asylum seekers have been placed in quarantine at Napier Barracks amid an increase in the number of people arriving on Kent's shores but there are reports of poor conditions inside.

Now, the Home Office has confirmed one refugee has coronavirus.

The person with the virus is no longer being held at the barracks.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of asylum seekers and the local communities in which they live is of the utmost importance, and we have robust measures in place to deal with any cases of coronavirus in our contingency accommodation.

“Our asylum system is broken and we are determined to introduce a new system that is firm and fair. It will be compassionate towards those who need our help, welcoming people through safe and legal routes.”

Clearsprings Ready Homes is the firm which operates the asylum seeking management at the Folkestone site.

Meanwhile, a 'welcome event' organised by the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) will be held at the barracks today.

Groups will be arriving at the military camp in a bid to show compassion towards the asylum seekers being housed there.

Opposition groups have also revealed they will be attending to protest against the set-up.

As a result, police will be present at the site in an effort to prevent clashes between the rival sides.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone