Shooting Incident in Migrant Camp Near Dunkirk Leaves One Dead and Five Injured
Authorities investigate shooting that resulted in a fatality and multiple injuries at a migrant camp in northern France.
A shooting incident at a migrant camp near Dunkirk, northern France, on Saturday, June 14, has resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to five others, including a child.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the shooting occurred around 10 a.m. near the Loon-Plage camp, with prosecutor Charlotte Huet confirming the death and injuries but not disclosing the victims' nationalities.
The initial reports indicated that two individuals, an adult male and a 17-year-old male, have been placed in custody as part of the investigation, which could last up to four days.
Prosecutors have opened a murder investigation, focusing on organized crime, attempted murder, and illegal possession of Category A and B weapons, which include firearms.
The local prefecture has verified that security forces and emergency services responded to the scene.
Claire Millot from the Salam association, which provides aid to migrants in the Dunkirk area, estimates the current population of migrants in the region to be between 1,500 and 2,000, amidst increased attempts to cross the English Channel.
This surge in crossings follows favorable weather conditions, with reports indicating that 919 migrants crossed the Channel on Friday alone across 14 vessels.
Official figures indicate that at least 15 individuals have died in the Channel since the beginning of 2025, a stark contrast to the 78 fatalities recorded in 2024, marking it as the deadliest year since the small boat crossings began in 2018. The trend of increased crossings continues amidst ongoing challenges faced by migrants seeking passage to the UK.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the shooting occurred around 10 a.m. near the Loon-Plage camp, with prosecutor Charlotte Huet confirming the death and injuries but not disclosing the victims' nationalities.
The initial reports indicated that two individuals, an adult male and a 17-year-old male, have been placed in custody as part of the investigation, which could last up to four days.
Prosecutors have opened a murder investigation, focusing on organized crime, attempted murder, and illegal possession of Category A and B weapons, which include firearms.
The local prefecture has verified that security forces and emergency services responded to the scene.
Claire Millot from the Salam association, which provides aid to migrants in the Dunkirk area, estimates the current population of migrants in the region to be between 1,500 and 2,000, amidst increased attempts to cross the English Channel.
This surge in crossings follows favorable weather conditions, with reports indicating that 919 migrants crossed the Channel on Friday alone across 14 vessels.
Official figures indicate that at least 15 individuals have died in the Channel since the beginning of 2025, a stark contrast to the 78 fatalities recorded in 2024, marking it as the deadliest year since the small boat crossings began in 2018. The trend of increased crossings continues amidst ongoing challenges faced by migrants seeking passage to the UK.
