70 migrate in dinghies

LONDON: Interior minister Sajid Javid says the fast-growing number of would-be migrants crossing the English Channel from France in dinghies is a “major incident”.

Nearly 70 people have been intercepted in three days as they try to reach England.

Javid is seeking an urgent call with his French counterpart, his ministry said.

It added Javid wanted to ensure everything was done to deter migrants from the dangerous crossing, “amid concern that it is only a matter of time before people lose their lives”.