Spain's Ceuta enclave stormed by migrants Published duration 9 December 2016 Related Topics Europe migrant crisis

image copyright Reuters image caption Local authorities were taken by surprise as hundreds crossed the border early on Friday

At least 400 people have broken through the border fence between Morocco and the enclave of Ceuta, which is part of Spain.

The migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, stormed different points of the 6m-high (19ft) barbed-wire fence from 06:15 local time (07:15 GMT) on Friday.

It is the biggest single breach of the border in a decade, local media report.

Two border guards were injured in the surprise assault on the border, according to Spanish authorities.

Local TV footage showed dozens of migrants celebrating their crossing, while others appeared exhausted, lying on the pavement with visible cuts to their feet and hands.

image copyright Reuters image caption Many climbed over the high, barbed-wire fences

Most of those who made the crossing have now been detained, with 20% still unaccounted for, Spanish Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said.

Ceuta is a major crossing point for those seeking work or asylum in Europe.

Together with a second Spanish enclave, Melilla, it is the European Union's only land border with Africa.

image copyright Reuters image caption Some of the migrants were overcome with emotion after making the crossing