Two kids among three migrants 'crushed to death' in English Channel overnight

Two children are among three people who were "likely crushed" to death at the bottom on a boat carrying migrants in the English Channel.

Three people were reported dead overnight by French authorities off the coast of Pas-de-Calais on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Two children died in the deadly horror boat crossing, the region's prosecutor Laurent Touvet revealed in a news conference. The official added that the three people who died were "likely crushed at the bottom of the boat" which had 38 people on board, and blamed smugglers for the horror deaths.

The three dead bodies were brought back to shore at around 5am on Wednesday morning.

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In a post on X, the prosecutor's office said: "A new tragedy occurred last night off the coast of Pas-de-Calais 3 migrants lost their lives, 3 other people are likely missing."

The office added: "Smuggler networks bear the responsibility for these tragedies. The state is determined to combat them.

"Thanks to the police, gendarmes, firefighters, civil protection volunteers, EPDAHAA agents, local elected officials, and the mobilized sea rescue services for assisting the shipwrecked."

French officials added that three people were missing in a separate nearby incident which also unfolded overnight. A third boat also got into difficulty last night, according to French media.

This comes after MPs were told that sick smugglers are sedating children before putting them on small boats across the English Channel.

Solicitor general Lucy Rigby revealed criminals are doing this to make sure youngsters are "compliant" during the dangerous journey.

She said: "I've heard from CPS prosecutors about the deplorable actions that these smugglers take. Not only facilitating very young children being aboard the boats, but even sedating them to ensure that they are compliant during the crossing."

The minister was responding to LabourMP Alex Ballinger, who said his constituents in Halesowen were concerned. He said: "They are calling for swift and tough action against the people smugglers responsible for these dangerous crossings that are putting the lives of women and children at risk."

Since January, more than 29,000 people have made the deadly journey, which claimed nearly 80 lives last year. A new "one in one out" returns deal with France will see the first people removed from the UK later this month, the Government says.

The pilot - which ministers hope to expand in the future - will see people who crossed the Channel detained and sent back, in exchange for those who apply and are approved.