Four young refugees have been jailed for four months for breaking down security barriers at the Channel Tunnel, allowing hundreds of illegal immigrants to try to cross to Britain by foot.

Four young refugees were today jailed for four months for breaking down security barriers at the Channel Tunnel, allowing hundreds of illegal immigrants to try to cross to Britain by foot.

The attempt by asylum seekers to storm the Channel tunnel entrance in France was today dismissed as a publicity stunt and a mayor asked for their refugee camp near Calais to be closed down.

The Channel Tunnel has reopened 10 hours after it was shut down when 150 asylum seekers broke through French security barriers.

Eurotunnel has lost its legal bid for the immediate closure of the Sangatte refugee camp near Calais.

A total of 80 illegal immigrants tried to force their way into the Channel Tunnel site in France last night in a bid to smuggle themselves into the UK, Eurotunnel bosses said today.