Gangs 'faster services' bring fleeing Syrians to UK

THE vast majority of Syrian asylum seekers heading to Britain reach Europe via their neighbouring country of Turkey. There, smugglers - mainly based in Istanbul - offer them a way in either by road in the backs of lorries or by sea in boats. Migrants choosing the first option travel into Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and France.

- By Michael Knowles

Others travel through the centre of Europe by train to either Brussels or Paris, where they hire taxis to get to migrant camps in Dunkirk and pay gangs for passage across the channel in small boats.

Intelligence has suggested the smugglers brief migrants on how to reach the coast, with asylum seekers said to be very clear on the routes they need to take.

Analysts believe more are being held further inland in France, in places such as Paris, Reims, Rouen, Arras, Lille and Cambrai.