Desperate migrants use dinghies to cross the Channel

BORDER Force is ramping up patrols in the English Channel following a spate of “brazen attempts to break into Britain”.

Almost 50 migrants – including a four-year-old boy – have been rescued in just 48 hours.

Experts yesterday warned migrants attempting the crossing could die unless patrols are stepped up and more is done in France to prevent people making the attempt. Sources have said boats carrying illegal migrants are being detected in the Channel almost every day.

People smugglers often take migrants half way across in larger boats before dumping them in small dinghies and telling them to call the coastguard. Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said: “To see so many brazen attempts to break into Britain in one week is unprecedented.

“It underlines yet again why we need to increase the number of vessels patrolling our border. Having just two cutters is simply not enough of a deterrent.

“The Home Office must act urgently to tackle this growing problem by boosting our borders’ budget. Meanwhile, the French urgently need to get a grip of the situation.”

Authorities revealed 24 migrants were rescued on Wednesday alone. Nine Iranians – including a woman and a four-year-old boy – were rescued from an inflatable boat. Just hours later, 10 were rescued by a fishing boat.

Retired Coastguard officer Andy Roberts said: “If this does not stop, there will be deaths.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “We are alert to the risk posed by people attempting to reach the UK illegally via small boats.”