14 sites may be used for asylum seekers

THE number of migrants arriving in small boats this year surged past 39,000 yesterday as it emerged 14 sites could be used to house asylum seekers.

- BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

At least 300 people are believed to have crossed yesterday, meaning at least 2,000 have been detected since Thursday as smugglers exploit better conditions after nearly two weeks of high winds.

It came as a leaked document suggests the Home Office is eyeing up 14 sites around the country to house 10,000 asylum seekers.