MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Eurotunnel security services documented 37,000 attempts by migrants to cross Channel Tunnel since the beginning of the year, primarily by climbing onto cargo trucks destined for Britain.
Chaos as HUNDREDS of migrants storm Channel Tunnel in 'massive planned invasion' http://t.co/7aDMdUSEeS pic.twitter.com/OrCec5L57V
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) October 3, 2015
"It's clearly an organised attack when it comes in such a large number," a Eurotunnel spokesperson said early on Saturday as quoted by Sky News.
According to the spokesperson, the migrants arrived at the French terminal together, just after midnight on Saturday, and started breaking fences, storming the Channel Tunnel.
"They are being gathered up by the police authorities," the spokesperson said, adding that no trains had stopped in the tunnel as a result of the "massive invasion" but all passenger and freight services were suspended "until further notice" because of "safety reasons."
According to Sky News, it may be hours before Eurotunnel resumes the train services, but the operator has allowed passengers to use their train tickets on the ferry.
Last week, a migrant in his twenties died after being hit by a shuttle bus at the Eurotunnel site near Calais. Since June, over 10 migrants have died trying to reach Britain from France through the Channel Tunnel.
Europe has seen a massive influx of migrants this year, as people flee conflict-torn countries in the Middle East and Africa in search of better life conditions in Europe.
According to the train operator, crossing attempts were reduced significantly after London erected a 1.2-mile fence around Channel Tunnel.
