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Channel tunnel services disrupted as asylum seekers injured

Ap
Friday 01 September 2000 00:00 BST
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Train services through the Channel Tunnel were disrupted Friday when three illegal immigrants were injured after apparently jumping off a freight train from France.

Train services through the Channel Tunnel were disrupted Friday when three illegal immigrants were injured after apparently jumping off a freight train from France.

One man was hospitalized with serious head injuries, two others had minor injuries and a fourth was apparently not injured, police said.

All rail service through the tunnel was suspended while police dealt with the incident, Eurotunnel said. All tunnel services were later able to resume, but Eurostar passengers leaving Waterloo were warned to expect delays.

Many fans travelling from London's Waterloo station to France on Eurostar for tomorrow's France versus England soccer friendly in Paris were caught up in the disruption.

"What we can piece together is that four illegal immigrants climbed aboard a freight train, which came through the tunnel," said Jane Walker, spokeswoman for Kent police.

"It appears they tried to get off the freight train as it was coming from France but they did not get off actually in the tunnel."

She said the men would be handed over to immigration authorities.

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