Boat deaths smuggler ‘in UK’

A GANG member allegedly behind the deadliest migrant drownings in the Channel is living in Britain and claiming asylum, a TV documentary will claim tonight.

The man, of Kurdish descent, is said to have helped migrants find a seat on an inflatable boat which capsized, killing 31 last November.

The documentary investigated those behind the disaster and spoke to survivor Issa Mohammed who told how he saw ‘bodies floating by’. Presenter Handa Majed is seen speaking by phone to a source who said the smuggler has been seen in Birmingham.

‘He came across the Channel in an inflatable. He changed his name and is claiming asylum,’ the source says. The documentary claims the man was put in a hotel in the Midlands and wants to start a business but it was unable to find him. ■ The Crossing will be broadcast on ITV at 10.45pm tonight.