Footage has emerged showing a man holding a knife and threatening people during an attempted Channel crossing from the French coast.
The incident happened as migrants gathered near Hardelot-Plage in northern France to board a small boat heading towards the UK.
The video, captured by the Press Association, shows a confrontation between a man in the water and people already on the dinghy. At one point, a voice can be heard shouting: “I will kill you.”
The man appears to drop the knife into the sea during the confrontation.
Tense scenes on the French coast
The footage shows the man moving towards the small boat while holding what appears to be a knife.
A person already on board attempts to push him away with a boot as the situation escalates.
French rescue vessels can also be seen nearby.
Reports differ on whether the man eventually managed to board the boat. The Irish News reported that he climbed aboard, while The Independent said he did not appear to do so.
His identity and what happened to him afterwards have not been confirmed in the available reporting.
Channel crossings resume after three-week pause
The incident took place as attempts to cross the English Channel resumed following a 21-day pause.
According to Home Office figures reported on 30 October, 263 migrants arrived in the UK on Thursday.
The break was the longest period without recorded arrivals so far in 2026. Poor weather, strong winds and high sea conditions had made crossings more difficult.
Several children were among those brought ashore in Dover after successful journeys.
What do the latest figures show?
The latest arrivals brought the total number of people crossing the Channel in 2026 to 21,198.
That figure was 43% lower than the equivalent point in 2025, when 36,954 arrivals had been recorded.
It was also 29% below the figure recorded at the same stage in 2024.
The Home Office said joint work with international partners had prevented more than 50,000 crossing attempts and led to the seizure of 1,100 boats and engines since the government took office.
Government responds to renewed crossings
Downing Street said there was more work to do to tackle dangerous Channel crossings.
A government spokesperson said ministers would continue working with international partners to address the issue.
The Home Office also said it was increasing the number of officers working in France and continuing efforts to disrupt the networks involved in facilitating crossings.
The incident has renewed attention on the dangers faced by people attempting to reach the UK in small boats.
A dangerous journey across the Channel
Small-boat crossings remain a major political and humanitarian issue for the UK and France.
Overcrowded vessels, difficult sea conditions and confrontations during boarding can create serious risks.
The latest footage provides another example of the tensions that can develop before boats even leave the French coast.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the man seen holding the knife has been identified or whether any investigation into the specific incident has been opened.