A diplomatic row has erupted in Europe after footage emerged of a deadly mass border crossing in the Spanish territory of Ceuta last week.
Around 60,000 people arrived from Morocco in the largest illegal crossing in EU history, most of them swimming, with some spending several hours at sea. At least 67 people died making the journey, Spanish officials said.
Ceuta, which is situated at the tip of north Africa and is one of only two EU land borders with Africa, has a population of around 83,000. One local told The i Paper she decided to flee to mainland Spain with her teenage daughter as the border collapsed and “horrible” scenes unfolded.
Viral videos showed large numbers of migrants overwhelming the border and swimming up to its beaches, before many – including children – slept rough on its streets.
Dozens of people drowned or died in stampedes, and clashes were reported between migrants and police.
