File photo dated 17/11/2009 of a train leaving the Euro Tunnel at Coquelles in France. Thousands of migrants stormed Eurotunnel's French terminal in Calais last night. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday July 28, 2015. Over the course of the night, some 2,000 attempted to breach the fences. The operator confirmed that the invasion was the cause of delays to this morning's service. See PA story POLICE Channel. Photo credit should read: Chris Ison/PA Wire

A Syrian refugee has died after being electrocuted at the entrance to the Eurotunnel in Calais, French police said.

The man (25) was killed when he touched a power cable while attempting to jump on to a high-speed training heading through the Channel tunnel.

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Currently there are more than 3,500 refugees - many fleeing conflict in Sudan, Eritrea and Syria - living in makeshift camps near the French port of Calais.

In recent weeks new security measures introduced at the tunnel entrance have led to a fall in intrusion attempts.

Eurotunnel confirmed that a freight train was stopped at about 22:20 on Thursday because of the presence of migrants on the tracks.

Expand Close The sun sets behind a make shift camp near the port of Calais on August 2, 2015 in Calais, France Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The sun sets behind a make shift camp near the port of Calais on August 2, 2015 in Calais, France

When the train was searched, a number of migrants were found on board, with one unconscious and one injured, the company said in a statement.

They were immediately taken into care by the emergency services. The authorities later confirmed the death of one of the migrants."

“This sad incident shows once again that any attempt to travel illegally through the Channel Tunnel is fraught with danger," Eurotunnel said.

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The situation in Calais comes as Europe struggles to cope with the huge numbers of people heading north from the Mediterranean.

On Thursday, Croatia announced it was closing seven of its eight road border crossings with Serbia following a huge influx of refugees.

Officials said they had no choice after more than 13,000 people entered the country since Hungary fenced off its border with Serbia earlier this week.

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