Machibet777 AffiliateNapier Barracks fire - Blazing riots at migrant camp after 'Covid row' as Priti Patel slams 'appalling' destruction | The Sun - Machibet777 Live

A HUGE fire has broken out at an ex-army camp in Kent where around 400 migrants are being held.

Unrest at Napier Barracks in Folkestone is understood to have started when some migrants were relocated after testing positive for Covid - leading to others demanding to be moved out too.

Emergency crews continue to tackle the situation, which has been ongoing since 2.42pmCredit: (c) UkNewsinPictures

A huge fire broke out at the ex-army camp in Folkestone, KentCredit: (c) UkNewsinPictures

Smoke has been seen billowing from the former army barracksCredit: (c) UkNewsinPictures

It is not yet known if anyone has been injuredCredit: PA:Press Association

Rioting broke out among around 100 migrants living at the camp and one of the buildings was torched.

Priti Patel has blasted the "appalling" destruction at the barracks, after flames engulfed one of the blocks.

Fire crews and police officers wearing protective gear remain at the scene this evening - though the blaze has been brought under control.

Home Secretary Priti Patel described the incident as "not only appalling but deeply offensive" to taxpayers who are "providing this accommodation while asylum claims are being processed".

In a statement released on Twitter, she wrote: “This type of action will not be tolerated and the Home Office will support the police to take robust action against those vandalising property, threatening staff and putting lives at risk."

Ms Patel went on to say the site has previously accommodated ";our brave soldiers and army personnel."

She added: "It is an insult to say that it is not good enough for these individuals.

"I am fixing our broken asylum system, and will be bringing forward legislation this year to deliver on that commitment.”

Eight fire engines were sent to the blaze at the Ministry of Defence-owned facility.

Police are investigating and say no arrests have been made and there have been no reported injuries.

Firefighters rushed to the sight of the blaze Credit: (c) UkNewsinPictures

Police remained on the scene this eveningCredit: PA:Press Association

There had been reports of rioting at the sceneCredit: PA:Press Association

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police is continuing to investigate following a disturbance and fire at Napier Barracks in Folkestone.

"The fire, which has caused a significant amount of damage to at least one part of the site, is suspected to have been started deliberately and enquiries to identify the person or people responsible are ongoing.

"Kent Police was called to the barracks at around 2pm on Friday, January 29 and attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

"No serious injuries have been reported."

The Covid-hit facility recently saw a flare-up of cases as 120 out of the 400 people living there were diagnosed with the virus.

The barracks has been the centre of a series of protests by the residents in recent weeks over living conditions.

No arrests have been made yetCredit: (c) UkNewsinPictures

Around 400 people are currently living at the site Credit: PA:Press Association

Police wearing protective gear are at the sceneCredit: PA:Press Association

Asylum seekers are being held at the site while their applications are processed.

Residents, many of whom have crossed the English Channel in small boats, have described it as "unbearable" and say social distancing in the barracks is impossible.

There have been reports of suicide attempts and earlier this month many residents went on hunger strike in protest at the conditions, which reportedly include 34 people sharing one shower.

A petition to shut down the site, along with a similar facility at a barracks in Wales, has amassed more than 10,000 signatures.

A spokesman for the Kent Refugee Action Network said: "We don't yet know exactly what has happened but what we do know is the barracks are unsafe with many cases of Covid being confirmed, and positive cases sharing dorms with those who had tested negative.

"Those inside were at risk and becoming more and more desperate at the lack of action.

"It should have already been emptied and closed down.

"Had the Home Office heeded the calls to act urgently we would not be in this position now.

"We hope all residents, staff and emergency workers responding to the situation are safe."

And Migrant charity Care4Calais said on Twitter: "A fire has broken out and fire engines have been called to Napier Barracks in Folkestone following an upsetting afternoon for the residents."

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed: "KFRS has been called to assist Kent Police at the Napier Barracks in Folkestone, following reports of a fire.