In the darkness of the dunes more than 100 migrants are poised, getting ready to run.

Just a single police 4x4 is patrolling the two-mile-long beach and, with the tide out, it is 400 metres from the dunes to water.

At 7am, while it is still dark, the first group makes the 400-metre dash to water.

The 4x4 is half a mile away, but its headlights pick them out as it draws closer. They up their pace, but the light grows around them as they splash through pools on the sand.

Then the 4x4 circles, like an ineffective sheepdog. The group scatters around the bleeping vehicle.

Officers get out with flashlights - but to do what? One falls over and another shouts - there are only three of them to stop a group of 30.

On the migrants go. Then the pantomime stops.

Everyone is still now.

Officers

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