Channel Tunnel could be closed at night if Calais crisis worsens

The Channel Tunnel will be closed at night if the Calais crisis worsens under plans being considered by ministers, The Telegraph has learned as it emerged that an African migrant walked almost its entire length.

Ministers have sought legal advice on what was described by Whitehall sources as the "nuclear option" of closing the tunnel to freight and passenger trains overnight.

The proposal, which has been discussed at meetings of the government's emergency Cobra committee, follows concerns that the number of services at night is increasing the risk of migrants making it through the tunnel.

A government spokesman said: “We have and continue to consider all potential courses of action to improve security at the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles and to prevent any loss of life. A number of new security measures have been introduced and Ministers both here and in France keep the situation under constant review.”

It comes as a Sudanese man was arrested by British police on Tuesday just steps away from the mouth of Eurotunnel in Folkestone, Kent, after dodging trains travelling at 100mph.

The migrant became the first man to successfully walk the length of the 31-mile tunnel after scaling four security fences, dodging 400 surveillance cameras before running in total darkness through the tunnel.

On Thursday David Cameron returned to Number 10 to be briefed by ministers and officials on the latest measures to tackle the crisis at the Channel crossings. The Prime Minister held a meeting with ministers, senior officials, Border Force and the National Crime Agency.

Thousands of migrants have attempted to breach the security at Eurotunnel and nine have been killed since June. Police have suggested that seven in 10 migrants may have reached the UK.

It is understood that ministers have so-far decided not to close the tunnel after Eurotunnel, the company which operates the Channel Tunnel, voluntarily reduced the number of freight services at night. However the option will be held in reserve and put "back on the table" if the crisis worsens.

This week, the Tunnel suffered its worst security breach when a man made it all the way to Britain on foot, walking for 10 hours before being caught.