Two Syrian men have made applications to remain in the UK after arriving on a ship docked in Kent.

A crew of 22 men arrived on a Belize-registered ship at docks in Northfleet yesterday. Eyewitnesses claimed that some of the men "jumped ship".

The Home Office has confirmed that two Syrian men have applied to stay in the country while another three have not returned to the ship.

However, the missing men will not be considered to have committed an offence until the ship leaves the dock, as sailors are entitled to shore leave.

Police and border control attended the scene, but were too late to catch the men.

A Home Office spokesman said: “Border Force officers are attending a Belize-registered vessel which has docked at Northfleet.

“Two Syrian men have made applications to remain in the UK which are being considered by the Home Office. Seventeen crew members remain aboard ship.”