The number of asylum seekers found to have falsely claimed to be under 18 has quadrupled over the past decade, according to new figures. Home Office data shows that 224 people were ruled to be adults in 2014 despite claiming to be minors, a number that has now risen to more than 1,000 amid a surge in disputed age cases.

The increase comes as officials warn that many arrivals reportedly destroy their identification documents before reaching Britain, hoping that being treated as children will boost their chances of staying. Those recognised as minors cannot be deported and are entitled to the same healthcare, education, housing and financial support as British children, with local councils rather than the

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