Seven out of every 10 migrants at Calais 'may be reaching UK', MPs warned

As many as 70 per cent of migrants in Calais my make it to the UK Credit: PA

As many as seven of every ten migrants camped in Calais may be reaching the UK, MPs have been warned.

Research by French authorities estimates that 70 per cent of those who are "processed" in the area of the French port leave the vicinity within a four-month period, but it is unclear where they go.

Kent Police forwarded that data in written evidence to the parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee.

It is unclear from the French data where the 'processed' migrants ultimately end up Credit: PA

Alan Pughsley, the Kent police chief constable, said: "The exact figure is difficult to establish due to the migrants using fake identities or giving false details to border staff.

"The figures provided by the police and partner agencies can only account for migrants that are actually found during relevant searches. The actual figure of migrants entering the country therefore may be a lot higher."

He said that the police only have accurate figures for the number of migrants caught in the UK.

That figure was 400 in Kent alone during a five week period.