Migrants run tear gas gauntlet to get to UK

MIGRANTS race to reach a waiting boat in the Channel as French police pursue them, firing tear gas.

- Michael Knowles

The asylum seekers covered their faces to protect themselves from the gas in yesterday's attempt to reach the UK.

Despite the police action, some were still able to reach the boat off the historic port of Gravelines.

The dinghy, piloted by two people, was seen being shadowed by a police marine vessel.

Dozens of migrants then waded into the water and were helped on to the rubber boat as officers remained on the beach.

There are fears 50,000 asylum seekers will arrive this year - but France has intercepted just 10,082, equating to 38% of crossings.