Migrant runs back into Chunnel

Channel Tunnel services were disrupted today when an asylum seeker ran back into the tunnel towards France.

Police were alerted after staff reported seeing the man fleeing potential security checks at Folkestone.

Eurotunnel closed the north tunnel, heading for the Continent, where the man was believed to be hiding inside. Drivers on trains already in the two tunnels slowed down in case of any sightings, as the drama unfolded just after 7am. Later trains have been running both ways through the south tunnel.

Police searched the tunnel and found a man, who they believe to be an immigrant, at 10am. It is suspected he hid on a freight train to enter the country and was seen as he tried to escape the platform and head back through the tunnel. It is not known where the man is from or how old he is.

A spokesman for Eurotunnel said: "He was spotted by our security as he fled from the platform and jumped straight back into the tunnel."

Kent police said: "A man is being held in custody and is due to be questioned."