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Migrants rush to cross Channel by boat before weather changes

A Border Force officer carries a child from a boat in Dover yesterday
A Border Force officer carries a child from a boat in Dover yesterday
GARETH FULLER/PA

A record number of migrants were expected to reach Britain yesterday after crossing the Channel in what many saw as the “last opportunity” to make the treacherous journey before wintery weather sets in.

As many as 500 headed for Dover marina, where arrivals were forced to queue to be allowed onshore due to the volume of traffic. Lifeboats were sent out at 8am to collect people after Border Force vessels became full.

At least 27 boats carrying people including young children and a double amputee had arrived at the marina by 10.30am. September has been a record month for migrant crossings, with at least 1,487 travelling across the world’s busiest shipping route.

Some new arrivals have been taken to Napier Barracks
Some new arrivals have been taken to Napier Barracks
GARETH FULLER/PA

On September 2, a record number of 416 migrants came in 28