Number of people to reach UK in small boats in 2022 nears 10,000

Two-thirds of people who do reach the coast are found suffering from hypothermia, according to official data. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Nearly 10,000 people have arrived in the UK on small boats from across the Channel so far this year, according to new government figures.

A total of 9,988 have reached the UK after leaving the French coast in vessels such as dinghies since New Year’s Day.