Astonishing footage from Calais has captured the moment hundreds of migrants stormed the streets in an attempt to break into the Eurotunnel on Christmas Day.

Car drivers were forced to squeeze through the crowds of people – many of whom were pushing prams – as they strolled down the middle of the road.

Local authorities admitted that ‘since the traffic was low’, it was decided to close the A16 highway in both directions until the crowds could be dispersed.

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Crowds: Hundreds of migrants and refugees are seen filling the A16 highway in Calais, in an attempt to break into the Eurotunnel on Christmas Day

Families: The crowds of people strolling in the streets included parents and their children, with many in the video seen pushing prams

‘Around 4pm, hundreds of migrants, in small groups, attempted to break into the site,’ said the Pas-de-Calais prefecture.

The port of Calais has become a key destination for the thousands of migrants and refugees who are trying to enter the UK.

It has led to the evolution of the Calais migrant camp, known as The Jungle, which has become so well established that it is even now home to restaurants, barbershops, churches and mosques.

Its inhabitants have arrived from all over the world, including Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan, most claiming to have fled violence and war in their home countries.

More than 6,000 people are now believed to have made temporary homes in the make-shift camp, including orphaned children, the elderly and disabled.

Magnet: The Port of Calais has become a key destination for migrants and refugees hoping to reach Britain, who have travelled from countries including Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan

Hope: Many of those arriving in Calais claim to have fled war and persecution in their home countries, and plan to reach Britain via the Eurotunnel or by hitching a lift on a lorry

But the camp also witnesses regular clashes between hopeful asylum-seekers and border security and police officers.

Many Britons arrived at The Jungle camp yesterday to lend a helping hand, giving up time with their families to spend time distributing donations around the camp or helping prepare a meal.

'It's really sad in the camp today,' campaigner Gulwali Passarlay told the MailOnline, after spending the morning in the camp in 'solidarity' with the migrants and refugees.

'Most people are really depressed. They are sitting in their own tents, in their own worlds. It's shocking to think that human beings are living in these inhumane conditions in a European country.'

London-based Mr Passarlay travelled to the camp to take some donations of clothes, food and sweets to the people living there.

The activist and author, who campaigns for refugees' rights, was born in Afghanistan but arrived as a refugee in the UK in 2007, at the age of just 13.

Temporary: More than 6,000 people are now said to be living in a migrant camp on the outskirts of Calais, which has come to be known as The Jungle

Journeys: According to recent figures from the Organisation for Migration, more than a million people arrived in Europe this year – more than four times the figure for 2014

Perilous: Most who have arrived in Calais have risked their lives in crossing Europe, with more than 3,500 people having drowned while making the dangerous journey

The British Medical Journal has dedicated its Christmas appeal this year to the charity Doctors of the World, which brings care to people in need around the world, including in Calais.

‘Many [of the refugees] are traumatised,’ said Bryony Corbyn, specialist registrar in child and adolescent psychiatry. ‘Most are malnourished. Many have physical and mental health problems and lack sufficient access to medical care and support.’

She added: ‘Nothing could have prepared us for the suffering and despair we witnessed as we walked into the camp.

‘Our path quickly became a sea of foul, ankle deep mud. Hundreds of tents were being buffeted by the strong wind and many were lying flattened in the mud.

‘We looked around: grim faced men, crying toddlers, everything wet and sodden.’

According to recent figures from the Organisation for Migration, more than a million people arrived in Europe this year – more than four times the figure for 2014.