Holidaymakers driving to and from France via Calais are being warned to keep their doors locked amid fears illegal migrants may try to enter cars.

The Foreign Office has warned of large numbers of illegal migrants in and around Calais who may seek to enter the UK illegally.

Watch: Coach driver locks the doors as terrified passengers film migrants attempting to board vehicles

Video Loading

It said: “There are large numbers of illegal migrants in and around Calais, who may seek to enter the UK illegally.

“You should keep vehicle doors locked in slow moving traffic and secure your vehicle when it is left unattended.”

Yesterday Home Secretary Theresa May warned that the strikes by French port workers, and subsequent traffic jams, had made the situation worse.

Home Secretary Theresa May provides an update on the Calais crisis in the House of CommonsTICS Calais. Photo credit should read: PA Wire
Home Secretary Theresa May provides an update on the Calais crisis in the House of CommonsTICS Calais. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

She told the House of Commons: “Illegal migrants in France – taking advantage of the situation – made increasingly bold attempts to board vehicles heading for the UK, and we heard worrying reports about intimidating and violent behaviour.”

Between June 21 and July 11, over 8,000 attempts by illegal migrants to reach the UK were stopped by French and British border authorities.

French police officers checking lorries on the main road into Calais ferry port as migrants have been trying to board UK bound lorries
French police officers checking lorries on the main road into Calais ferry port as migrants have been trying to board UK bound lorries

The Home Secretary is working with the French government to deal with the crisis in Calais, increasing security, fencing and improving traffic flow for travellers.

Yesterday she announced the creation of a new secure zone in Calais for lorries heading to the UK, large enough for 230 vehicles, moving them away from the roads where they can become targets for migrants trying to climb aboard.

A dedicated law enforcement team will also be deployed in the UK, the Mediterranean and Africa to tackle criminal gangs and human trafficking.