Secure lorry zone for Calais planned

A NEW "secure zone" is to be built in Calais in an attempt to stop migrants boarding lorries bound for the UK.

The area will hold up to 230 vehicles and should provide protection for lorries and their drivers, British home secretary Theresa May said.

It is part of a £12million spending package by the UK to try to reinforce security at the French port. Other measures will include new fencing and changes to road layouts.

Eurotunnel estimates that there are 5,000 migrants currently in Calais - up from about 600 in January.

Earlier this week, three migrants were injured by an electric discharge near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel.

And last week, a migrant from Eritrea died attempting to board a Le Shuttle train for Britain.

The UK is issuing a growing number of fines to hauliers who carry migrants in their lorry - £6.6million in a year.