Migrants clashed with French police in the Dunkirk area on Saturday, throwing rocks at officers as they were apparently preparing to try t...
Migrants clashed with French police in the Dunkirk area on Saturday, throwing rocks at officers as they were apparently preparing to try to reach the UK illegally.
Footage filmed by Mark White of GB News showed violent scenes break out on in the municipality of Gravelines, near Dunkirk on Saturday. Hundreds of prospective illegal Channel boat migrants — many already wearing life jackets — were seen trying to repel French police by throwing rocks and sticks at the officers, who in turn fired tear gas towards the group.
The tensions reportedly flared up after French Compagnies républicaines de sécurité (CRS) officers had slashed inflatable life boats on the coast and prevented other migrants from setting sail to the UK.
Speaking to the broadcaster, a local source said that while there has been a lull in the crossings, UK and French authorities are “fully expecting a mass launch of small boats” as weather, particularly wind, conditions improve in the coming days after it has prevented any large crossings over the past two weeks.
“We’re going to see vastly improved weather conditions this weekend, with the winds dying right down until Monday. It’s a three-day weather window the people smugglers will take full advantage of, as the suitable days for crossing will become far fewer as we head into the winter months.”
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