The Channel Tunnel could be closed at night if the crisis in Calais worsens as it was disclosed that an African migrant walked nearly the entire length of the sub-sea crossing to reach England.

A suspected illegal immigrant is believed to have walked nearly the entire length of the Channel Tunnel from Calais before being held by British officers.

Britain’s prime minister, David Cameron, has drawn up plans to help France tackle a spike in attempts by migrants to enter Britain illegally via the Channel Tunnel, but warned there was no quick fix.

One migrant has died after hundreds tried to enter the Channel Tunnel in Calais, operator Eurotunnel said.

Channel Tunnel high-speed train company Eurostar said it notched up record passenger numbers despite disruption from last month’s strikes in Calais.

A migrant has died on a freight shuttle trying to reach Britain, Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel said.

The Channel Tunnel reopened yesterday after a three-hour shut down caused by striking ferry workers who lit fires on the tracks.