Migrants storm French port of Calais and board British ferry

Police were called to try and remove the migrants, but in the meantime the mayor said the port was closed.

“The evacuation is complete, there are no more migrants on the ferry”, a representative for the Port of Calais said in a statement. It said the duration of the disruption “remains unkown”.

Services from the Port of Calais have been disrupted after what one ferry company described as an “invasion” of 50 migrants trying to board a ship, it has been reported.

According to the Daily Mail, police were using water cannons on board the ship in an attempt to get the group to leave.

“We are here in solidarity and to denounce the inaction of the French state, which does not have the will to ensure a better life for the refugees”, said Rino, a 22-year-old student from Italy who had come to Calais by bus.

The protest was organized by various activist groups across France and the United Kingdom under the larger banner of “Refugees Welcome”.

Thousands of refugees are now living in makeshift camps known as “the Jungle”, on the edge of Calais.

“No Jungle, no Jungle!” cried migrants who joined in the protests.

Mr Burnett said immediate action was necessary, warning that it is “only a matter of time before our worst fears become a reality and a UK-bound truck driver is killed”.

A further 11 people were also detained after being found on the ship, the newspaper reports.

“Their presence will make things move, and put pressure on the European Union to make things change here in Calais”, he added.

As he met men, women and children who have fled from countries including Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr Corbyn spoke of the “dreadful situation” they faced camped in the swamp-like conditions.

Meanwhile Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn visited the Grande-Synthe Camp, near Dunkirk, where more than 2,500 people are sleeping rough.

These people are living in unacceptable conditions.

“These conditions are a disgrace anywhere”.

Earlier Mr Corbyn had said: “We must reach out the hand of humanity to the victims of war and brutal repression”.