14 migrants stopped in France aboard stolen boat bound for UK

Fourteen migrants have been stopped in Boulogne-sur-Mer, northern France, as they tried to tried to leave the port aboard a stolen boat, heading for Britain.

More migrants are crossing the channel by boat STR / AFP

The port authorities were alerted when people were seen trying to break into the boat, according to judicial sources.

The 14 migrants said they were from Iraq, among them a mother and her two children.

Police believe two people, possibly the traffickers, escaped when the others were stopped.

There has been a sharp increase in recent months in attempts by migrants to reach Britain by boat.

French and British authorities agreed on Sunday to beef up their attempts to halt the trend.