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19 suspected people smugglers arrested in two weeks, Home Office says

French law enforcement has stopped more than 650 people from crossing the channel in the past week.

Previously unreleased photo dated 21/07/16 of HMC Vigilant, a UK Border Agency cutter on the water near to Southsea, Hampshire, as a Commons committee warned that Britain's Border Force has a "worryingly low" number of boats for patrolling the coast - despite being given a key role in heightened security arrangements. PRESS
Image: The UK's Border Force revealed they went to four different incidents on Friday
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Nineteen people have been arrested in the past fortnight in connection with people smuggling across the English Channel.

The announcement was made as the Home Office revealed that French law enforcement has stopped more than 650 people from crossing the world's busiest shipping lane in the past week.

The UK's border force agency revealed that they went to four different incidents on Friday 23 October, detaining 33 migrants.

Migrants held at "building site"

Migrants held at "building site"

Many held without sleeping and washing facilities for days

Clandestine Channel threat commander Dan O'Mahoney said: "We are taking action at every step of these dangerous and illegally facilitated journeys to make this route unviable.

"This includes working closely with the French who, since last Saturday, have stopped more than 650 people from making this crossing, seizing boats and equipment and intercepting people inland.

"We are also committed to fixing the asylum system, to make it fairer and firmer, compassionate to those who need help and welcoming people through safe and legal routes."

The 19 people arrested were detained for suspected people smuggling and illegal entry.

At least 7,400 people have crossed the Channel this year by boat, according to the PA news agency.