Total Channel migrant arrivals this year tops 242

Six migrants were detained by Border Force officers overnight on Friday after crossing the Channel in what appeared to be a brand new boat. 

The group of men, thought to be African, were picked up mid-channel and taken on board the Border Force cutter before being brought into the port of Dover.

Border Force officers intercepted the grey, yellow and blue rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) in the channel in flat calm and mild conditions after it made the treacherous crossing.  

The RHIB was towed behind and tied up in the harbour.

The latest arrivals takes the number who have been detained so far this year to 242 although the Home Office is yet to confirm official figures.

January 9 was the busiest day so far when 103 people arrived in six boats.