Concerns have been raised about the influx of asylum seekers at a Kent processing centre by the union for the Border Force.

A POA Union member at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Manston has likened the situation to "a pressure cooker coming to the boil with a jammed release valve".

The site was repurposed earlier this year to be used to process people hoping to claim asylum in the UK.

But the POA says altercations between residents have been "boiling over" and have led to injuries - with police being called to the site to investigate assaults and provide support to staff.

However, the Home Office insists Manston is "resourced and equipped to process migrants securely" and that alternative accommodation will be provided "as soon as possible".

The union says it has concerns relating to the short-term holding facility and "its ability to perform its core function" of assessing and processing asylum seekers in a "timely manner".

A statement released today said: "The POA have members on the ground at Manston who are tasked to care for residents while they go through that process, our members then provide escort to those who move to suitable onward accommodation.

"A POA member working at the site likened the situation to a pressure cooker coming to the boil with a jammed release valve..."

"The large number of migrants arriving through September means the target of holding people for 24 to 48 hours is now purely aspirational.

"People are now staying at the Manston facility up to a week."

It adds the POA was "impressed" by the mobilisation of the Manston site as it offered "significant improvements" to the facilities at the Port of Dover’s Tug Haven.

But the group continued: "The improved facility is now struggling to perform its role, and tensions within the site are rising.

"A POA member working at the site likened the situation to a pressure cooker coming to the boil with a jammed release valve.

"She described the ability to move people on from the site in a timely manner as that pressure release valve.

"We have had reports of incidents escalating, altercations between residents boiling over and resulting in injury with police having to be called to the site to investigate assaults and provide support to staff.

"The POA believe the failure to relieve this pressure sits at the highest level with a government that has not provided a coherent response at pace, to the increase in numbers of migrants crossing the Channel and the strain that is putting on the facility."

The union also claims it has been informed there have been days where the facility has run out of food and water for residents.

And it has reportedly been informed marquees are crowded, levels of bedding and laundry facilities on site are "inadequate" and cleaning regimes are "not adhered to".

Issues have also been raised about high levels of condensation in the marquees which has led to mould and bacteria developing.

The POA will be writing to the chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, to urge his inspectorate to attend and assess the "developing situation".

"A high-level solution must be found to move residents on in a timely manner and allow Manston to return to its core function, a short-term holding facility," the union added.

"We will share our concerns with the Home Office, and we will engage with contractors on site around other safety concerns in relation to levels of supervision and a huge reliance on overtime as recruitment struggles to keep pace with the demands from the site."

Kent Police told PA that it had been called to the immigration centre twice in the last two weeks.

A spokesman for the force said: "We attended a site in Manston Road, Manston, at 11.55pm on September 28 to assist the Home Office following a report a small group of people were being abusive. No arrests were made.

"We then attended a site in Manston Road, Manston, at 8.10pm on October 2 to assist the Home Office following a report a man had thrown a plastic bottle at another man.

"A suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault and was later released on bail while enquiries continue."

Last month, it was reported the Manston facility had reached full capacity.

The Home Office argues that claims there has been a lack of food and water at the site are untrue.

It stresses the basic needs of people who have arrived are provided.

It also says suitable welfare provisions including hot food, fresh clothing, toilet facilities, sanitary packs and medical care are handed out.

The department states all onsite staff receive safeguarding training - and there is an medical team and "Migrant Help" presence to identify those at risk.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The continued rise in dangerous small boat crossings is causing an unprecedented strain on our asylum system.

"Manston is resourced and equipped to process migrants securely and we will provide alternative accommodation as soon as possible.

"Despite the lies they have been sold by people smugglers, those entering the UK illegally via the Channel will not be allowed to start a new life here.

"These individuals will be in scope to be relocated to Rwanda under our Migration and Economic Development Partnership."