Jungle to be demolished

FRENCH officials are set to start demolishing the Calais Jungle camp on Monday in an operation expected to last five days.

They are planning to bus 3,000 migrants to reception centres across France on the first day, with 4,500 more removed over Tuesday and Wednesday.

Officials said they will keep going until the camp is completely cleared.

The French interior ministry says there are currently 6,486 migrants in the Jungle, although charities put the true number at more than 10,000.

As news of the demolition spread last night, migrants began rioting over their planned eviction, with a large group that gathered near the motorway being sprayed with tear gas by French police. Many are determined to maintain their homes in the camp because it is a relatively convenient location for anyone trying to board ferries and trains heading for Britain.

A Calais police source said they were ‘prepared for the worst’.

The source added: ‘Many extra police are being bused in, and riot control measures including a water canon are being made available.’

Charities also handed out letters to migrants living in the camp, warning: ‘If you try to stay... it is very possible that you will be arrested and detained.’

Last night the Home Office said: ‘Our focus is... transferring eligible children and young people from Calais to the UK before the camp clearance begins.’