Hundreds of migrants have crossed the English Channel illegally today, GB News can confirm, bringing total crossings over Christmas and Boxing Day to more than 700.

According to the official Home Office figures, 451 migrants crossed the English Channel illegally in 11 small boats on Christmas Day.

GB News can also confirm that six more small boats have crossed into UK waters so far on Boxing Day, carrying at least 250 migrants.

The latest arrivals have been taken to the Border Force Processing Centre at Dover harbour.

Migrant crisis: More than 700 migrants cross Channel illegally over Christmas and Boxing DayGB News

Border Force is on heightened alert for a surge in small boat crossings over the next few days, as calm weather conditions remain in the English Channel.