ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CLUNG TO CHANNEL FERRY

Four illegal immigrants clung on to the side of a Seafrance ferry as it crossed the English Channel.

The men, believed to be from Russia and Eastern Europe, clambered on to the metal "bump fender", and clung on for the hour and a half sea crossing.

To avoid being spotted in the darkness the group covered themselves with the dinghy but was spotted just before entering the Port of Dover.

Before the ship docked the stern door was opened to let the men inside.

A spokeswoman for Seafrance said she believed this was the first case of its kind where would-be immigrants had clung on to the side of a ship.

The men were sent back to France.