‘Italy has caused a MELTDOWN’ 700,000 migrants waiting to cross into Europe from Libya, by Jon Austin.

NCA directors warned of a sharp rise in attempted illegal sea crossings from Africa to Europe this year, with 300 people drowning last week.

Migrants are then crossing Europe and using increasingly devious ways to evade detection, including hiding in “coffin-sized” secret compartments in vehicles. …

The main sources for migrants into Europe are Libya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Niger and Afghanistan. Mr Dowdall said that smugglers collectively make up to £6billion a year charging would-be migrants. A single boat from Africa to Europe can net them up to £300,000. …

Mr Dowdall said “complicit lorry drivers” were charging up to £2,000 per migrant. Iraqi Kurd, Afghan and Albanian gangs were the most prolific people smugglers to the UK.