Migrants who crossed the English Channel have been detained for deportation to France under the new "one in one out" returns deal.

The first detentions came after pictures showed people on small boats headed for the UK on Wednesday, the day the pilot scheme came into force.

The government has not said how many people have been detained.

An announcement from the Home Office said the detentions began for those who arrived by small boat on Wednesday lunchtime, and those people will be held in immigration removal centres pending their return.

Sir Keir Starmer wrote on the X social media platform: "We have detained the first illegal migrants under our new deal before returning them to France.

"No gimmicks, just results. If you break the law to enter this country, you will face being sent b

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