Migrants come ashore in Catalan Bay

Police are searching for a group men, believed to be economic migrants, who landed in Catalan Bay this morning after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in a small dinghy.

As many as 10 migrants are believed to have come ashore and some have already been detained, a spokesman for the Royal Gibraltar Police confirmed.

They are all believed to be of North African origin and those in police custody were tired but appeared in good health after the crossing.

Personnel from the Gibraltar Defence Police and HM Customs are assisting in the search.

The Strait of Gibraltar, the narrowest crossing between Europe and Africa, is a key hotspot for clandestine migration.

Every year, hundreds of migrants attempt the treacherous crossing in search of a better life.

But most aim to reach the Spanish coastline and it is rare for them to land in Gibraltar.

Main pic by DM Parody