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Group of migrants land on Kent beach at Lydd Migrants with child land on Greatstone beach, Kent
(about 4 hours later)
A group of migrants has been detained close to a Kent beach after they are understood to have crossed the English Channel in an inflatable boat. Twelve migrants, including a 10-year-old child, have been detained after landing on a Kent beach.
Kent Police was called at 08:16 GMT to a report of the group being spotted in Coast Drive, Greatstone. Nine men, two women and the child arrived at Greatstone after crossing the English Channel in a black dinghy.
Officers attended to assist Border Force officials who are dealing with the case. Coastguard crews were not asked to attend. A Home Office spokesperson said the people "presented themselves" as Iranian nationals after police contacted Border Force officials.
The Home Office has been contacted for a comment. They received a medical assessment and were transferred to immigration officials for interview.
Witness David Wimble claimed to have seen a group of adult migrants and one child. Witnesses described seeing a large police presence along the quiet stretch of coastline.
It comes after six men, all Iranian nationals, were found on a beach next to an inflatable boat at Kingsdown on Sunday. Chris Matcham said: "I was driving towards New Romney this morning with my sister when a police car came haring past us along the road.
"We then saw the police car and van on the sea-side of the road a bit further down.
"We saw what we suspected were immigrants standing by the van on the pavement.
"Then I went for a walk 30 minutes later and lots of police helicopters were flying overhead."
'No easy answers''No easy answers'
Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared a "major incident" on Friday after dozens of migrants in small boats arrived on the Kent coast over the Christmas period. Six men, all Iranian nationals, were found on a beach next to an inflatable boat at Kingsdown on Sunday.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared a "major incident" on Friday after dozens of people in small boats arrived on the Kent coast over the Christmas period.
More than 230 people have attempted the crossing in small boats since November.More than 230 people have attempted the crossing in small boats since November.
The rising number of migrants crossing the Channel will be discussed by Home Secretary Sajid Javid at a special meeting with other senior government officials, Border Force and the National Crime Agency later. The rising number of migrants crossing the Channel will be discussed by Mr Javid at a meeting with other senior government officials, the Border Force and the National Crime Agency.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Javid said: "The reasons behind the increased crossings are complicated and in many cases outside of our control.Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Javid said: "The reasons behind the increased crossings are complicated and in many cases outside of our control.
"Unfortunately, this means that there are no easy answers. So our response is focused both here in the UK and abroad.""Unfortunately, this means that there are no easy answers. So our response is focused both here in the UK and abroad."