Devon & Cornwall Police investigate as 'migrant boat' lands on coast

Officers have so far been unable to trace any of the 12 arrivals

Slapton Sands
Author: Andrew Kay and Sarah YeomanPublished 15th Jun 2022

Devon & Cornwall Police believe a dozen suspected migrants have landed on the coast by boat.

It was reported just after 7am on Wednesday (15th June) at Slapton Sands near Dartmouth.

Witnesses told officers the group of 12 were put into two waiting vehicles and driven away.

A force spokesperson said: “A large policing response was sent to the area following this incident being reported to us, but at this time no arrest have been made and those who landed on the beach, currently believed to be migrants, have yet to have been located.

“Our initial report states that those who landed on the beach were immediately taken into two vehicles that were waiting near-by and which immediately left the area.

“The vehicles are described as a silver people carrier with blacked out windows, and the second vehicle a black people carrier.

“We are appealing to the public to help us locate those responsible and so we can locate and ensure the welfare of those who landed on the beach. We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area from 6:30-7:30am and who may have information that could assist with our enquiries.

“We would also ask anyone who lives in this area of Dartmouth and near Slapton Sands to check dashcams and CCTV and to contact us immediately if they have any footage that can assist.

“Please contact 101 quoting log 0101 Wednesday 15 June. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.”

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