Eurotunnel was forced to suspend cross-Channel services yesterday when hundreds of migrants stormed the terminal and platforms “in waves” as part of a co-ordinated raid.
Services were halted in both directions after a mass intrusion by migrant groups living around Calais.
A Eurotunnel spokesman said that migrants were using diversionary tactics to allow others to try to make a bid to cross the Channel. It comes days after figures showed that the number of migrants living in makeshift camps outside Calais has reached 6,000.
A tunnel spokesman said: “They are coming in waves to occupy the police. One group is then able to get through. Then we have to take over and sweep through the terminal and clear them all from the tracks and the platform.”
The incident — overnight on Sunday and into Monday — led to services between Folkestone and Coquelles being suspended. Passenger services resumed, but travellers were being warned to expect delays.