A 23-year-old Sudanese national has been arrested in Hayes, west London, following a devastating incident in which five migrants, including a seven-year-old girl, lost their lives while attempting to cross the English Channel. The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed the arrest and stated that the individual is currently being interviewed by law enforcement officers.
The man has been apprehended on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration and entering the UK unlawfully. This development follows the arrest of two other individuals from South Sudan and Sudan in connection with the tragedy. However, uncertainties surrounding their ages, with the pair claiming to be 15 and 16 years old, have resulted in delays in court proceedings. Initial age assessments conducted by immigration officials and a social worker indicated that the individuals were in their early 20s. Further detailed assessments have been ordered by Folkestone Youth Court to determine their actual ages.
The NCA has been collaborating with Kent Police, Immigration Enforcement, and Border Force to support the French-led investigation into the incident, which occurred on the beach near Wimereux in northern France last Tuesday.
Reports suggest that a dinghy, carrying over 100 individuals, departed from Wimereux around 6 a.m. on Tuesday but encountered difficulties at sea. Tragically, three men, a woman, and a seven-year-old girl lost their lives. While 49 people were rescued, an additional 58 individuals refused to disembark from the boat and continued their journey toward the UK, according to a statement from the French coastguard. Subsequently, several other vessels embarked on similar crossings.
The NCA disclosed that over 50 individuals who were aboard the dinghy that reached the UK have been interviewed thus far. Additionally, an 18-year-old man from Sudan has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently on bail pending further investigations.
The investigation into this tragic event remains ongoing as authorities endeavour to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crossing and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
