Security measures were being stepped up at the entrances to the Channel Tunnel today after 44 asylum seekers managed to walk several miles along one of the main tunnels.
Eurotunnel bosses were planning to increase the number of security guards patrolling the entrances from tonight. It the latest attempt to curb an increasing number of attempts by illegal immigrants to reach the UK from France via the tunnel.
Late last night, a guard spotted the group, all men from unknown areas, entering the UK-bound tunnel. They reached the entrance, called a portal, via a footbridge across the A16 motorway near Calais.
A team of police officers and Eurotunnel officials travelled 10km along the service tunnel, which lies between the main freight and passengers tunnels, to get ahead of the group. It is not known exactly how far they had walked in to the tunnel.
They were then stopped and escorted back to France where they were being questioned by French police and immigration officials today.
Train and freight services were immediately suspended following the security breach. No passengers were left stranded in the tunnel.
Eurotunnel spokeswoman Ms Camille Newall said: "Our detection system, cameras and security guards identified the fact that that a group had entered the portal. They were allowed to enter the tunnel because it is better to contain them in the tunnel than have them gathering outside at the portal.
"What is so frustrating is that we are a private transport company, not a frontier control point. We are spending more and more money on security yet the Government, who will not contribute, is simply threatening us with fines.
Normal Eurotunnel services had resumed today.
PA