Moment five young children wrapped up against the bitter cold land on Kent coast today

Five children including a baby without socks or shoes were among the migrants who landed on the Kent coast on Monday morning in 1C temperatures.

A family of four were among arrivals in Dover this morning in near-freezing conditions after making the perilous journey across the English Channel.

It comes despite a recent £28million agreement between the UK and France to double police patrols on French beaches.

Several dozen people are believed to have successfully travelled to Britain on Monday.

The latest crossing comes after it was revealed that more than 8,500 migrants were estimated to have successfully entered the country this year – up from 1,850 last year. 

A family of four were among arrivals in Dover this morning in near-freezing conditions after making the perilous journey across the English Channel

It comes despite a recent £28million agreement between the UK and France to double police patrols on French beaches

Several dozen people are believed to have successfully travelled to Britain on Monday

Five children were seen being brought into the Port of Dover aboard a single Border Force rib, along with a number of adults.

They are believed to have been picked up in the Channel by Border Force cutter Vigilant after departing from France.

The youngsters, some too young to walk, were visibly suffering from the 1C temperatures at the Kent port and were wrapped in blankets and life jackets.

Among them was a baby who did not have shoes or socks, being carried ashore in the arms of a woman.

Five children were seen being brought into the Port of Dover aboard a single Border Force rib, along with a number of adults

They are believed to have been picked up in the Channel by Border Force cutter Vigilant after departing from France

The youngsters, some too young to walk, were visibly suffering from the 1C temperatures at the Kent port and were wrapped in blankets and life jackets

Among them was a baby who did not have shoes or socks, being carried ashore in the arms of a woman

Despite continued vows by Home Secretary Priti Patel to make the route “unviable”, there have been unprecedented numbers crossing the Channel in small boats in 2020.

Last month, Ms Patel hailed a new agreement with her French counterpart aimed at curbing the number of migrants reaching the UK in small boats.

But the £28million deal has not stopped people making it to UK shores, as Monday’s arrivals appear to show.  

A further 30 migrants were prevented from crossing by French authorities on November 10 in the busiest day since October 17, according to the Home Office.

It took the number of people to cross the Channel in November to 487, already surpassing the 463 who made it across in October. 

Immigration officers detained 80 migrants in six incidents on one day in November with the French stopping a further 50 from making the treacherous journey.

There had been a lull in crossings before this since October 23 due to strong winds and heavy rain making already dangerous conditions at sea even more life threatening.  

Clandestine Channel Threat Commander Dan O’Mahoney said following the November crossings: ‘The criminals facilitating these crossings are breaking our laws and we are relentlessly going after them.

Border Force intercepted 159 migrants in six boats on one day in November. Pictured are the rescued migrants coming ashore at Dover 

‘We are working side by side with France to increase beach patrols and enhance surveillance to stop the crossings at source, breaking up the ruthless gangs who facilitate this activity, and locking up the people smugglers responsible.

‘We are returning migrants who have no right to stay in the UK to safe countries with flights every week and will do whatever we can to make this route unviable.’

Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp added: ‘These crossings are facilitated by callous criminals who are breaking our laws by smuggling people illegally across the Channel.

‘France is a safe country where they should be claiming asylum. We are relentless in our pursuit of these dangerous offenders who are putting lives at risk.

‘In the last two weeks alone five people smugglers have been jailed, with more investigations under way and more arrests planned.’   

Britain’s Border Force is planning to launch a fleet of high-speed jet-skis to patrol the Channel in its fight to deter migrant boat gangs.

The Home Office wants to buy four Sea Doo GTX 170 vessels, each costing up to £20,000 and capable of reaching 55mph.

Britain’s Border Force is planning to launch a fleet of high-speed jet-skis to patrol the Channel in its fight to deter migrant boat gangs

Border Force wants the jet-skis because its rigid-hulled inflatable boats are deemed to pose a risk in ‘close quarters engagement’ as they can ‘ride up on to a small dingy and risk injury to those inside’ [File photo]

Record numbers of migrants have risked their lives to make the crossing this year, with more than 8,500 estimated to have reached Britain – up from 1,850 last year. 

In October, five members of a Kurdish-Iranian family drowned after their overcrowded semi-rigid boat sank in poor weather.

Border Force wants the jet-skis because its rigid-hulled inflatable boats are deemed to pose a risk in ‘close quarters engagement’ as they can ‘ride up on to a small dingy and risk injury to those inside’.

A contract inviting bids, published by the Home Office last week, stipulates the jet-skis must have ‘lifting points’ to help migrants out of dinghies.

The Sea Doo GTX Fish Pro 170 is normally sold for use in game fishing. After trials with two Sea Doo jet-skis, Border Force now wants four to add to its five patrol boats and six coastal patrol vehicles.