Photo credit: BBC
The moment French police officers intercepted the launch of a dinghy hoping to cross the Channel, as migrants threw stones at them, has been caught on camera.
The clip shows migrants wearing life jackets appearing to reach for the ground while on the beach, and grabbing stones to throw at officers as they try to keep them away from their vessel.
ITV News reports that other migrants try to form a wall with their arms out wide, attempting to stop the French police from getting to the dinghy.
The officers then use Pava spray before slashing the inflatable boat with a knife.
The operation was part of a wider effort by French authorities to deter illegal crossings.
French authorities said their units prevented 185 “small boat crossing events” in the three months following the new UK-France deal’s signing.
They defined the preventions as stopping launches, seizing equipment including boats, engines and lifejackets, and arresting smugglers.
Since the signing of the deal in April, extra police units have been active on French beaches, including a 50-person riot squad. Police action has included interceptions on beaches and at sea, the Home Office said.
