Migrant found with stab wounds on small boat crossing the English Channel

A migrant was taken to hospital after being discovered with stab wounds on a small boat that crossed the English Channel.

The boat was one of 10 carrying 514 migrants that were intercepted by Border Force officials on Wednesday.

Authorities were made fully aware of the man’s injuries after he was taken to shore at the Port of Dover. He told police he was attacked on a beach near Calais.

New: 514 migrants crossed the Channel in 10 boats yesterday, a new daily high for 2024. It takes the total for this year to over 4,000 - 10% higher than this time last year.

Around 60 other migrants on his boat were also checked over.

It came on the busiest day for crossings so far this year, with pictures showing large numbers of people being brought ashore by officials in Dover.

And it takes the total number this year to 4,043, according to latest Home Office figures - 10 per cent higher than the 3,683 this time last year.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “At 12.52pm on Wednesday 20 March, Kent Police received a report of a man with injuries consistent with stab wounds, following the arrival of a small boat at Dover Western Docks.

“The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. He has reported that he was assaulted on a beach near Calais by two men who then stayed in France while he made the crossing to the UK.

“Details of the incident are being passed to authorities in France for further investigation.”

This week, Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation plan was also hit by a further delay after defiant peers dug their heels in and inflicted a fresh defeat against the controversial policy.

The House of Lords voted by 271 to 228, majority 43, to press their demand that the legislation has “due regard” for domestic and international law.

A Home Office spokesperson told The Independent: “The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.  

“We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys.  

“We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats.”