Fourth arrest over deaths of five migrants in Channel including child on overcrowded boat after some ‘crushed to death’
A FOURTH person has been arrested after five migrants, including a child, died while trying to cross the Channel on an overcrowded boat.
The National Crime Agency today confirmed the latest arrest in a statement after the horror unfolded on Tuesday which saw several ‘crushed to death’.
1
A spokesperson stated: “The 18-year-old from Sudan was arrested yesterday evening at Manston in Kent and is now in custody being questioned.
“One individual, a 19-year-old from Sudan who was initially detained on Tuesday evening, has been released without charge. He will now be dealt with by the immigration authorities.
“Two other men, a 22-year-old Sudanese national and a 22-year-old from South Sudan arrested yesterday (April 24) continue to be held.”
It comes after three men were arrested yesterday.
Disaster struck when they had been crossing from an area near the town of Wimereux,.
Authorities discovered several “lifeless bodies” on what one official called a “busy” morning for crossings, with several attempts reported.
An emergency operation was launched by the French coastguard and by 11am at least five people were reported drowned off the coast at Boulogne sur Mer.
About 100 migrants were rescued and placed aboard a French navy ship
Most read in UK News
Officials reported a four-year-old girl was among the dead and many others who struggled ashore had been unconscious and suffering from hypothermia.
Craig Turner, deputy director of investigations for the National Crime Agency said: “This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and bring into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them.
“We will do all we can with partners in the UK and France to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice.”