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The UK Border Agency has asked the Royal Navy about help to defend the English Channel from people smugglers.

Border officials contacted military planners to ask what vessels would be available in a move that could see naval ships patrolling the coastline, according to reports.

The Ministry of Defence said no formal request had yet been made for military support.

But sources said MoD staff are proposing to offer several offshore raiding craft manned by Royal Marines to beef up protection of Britain’s sea border.

A senior Whitehall official said: “The MoD has been asked to look at ways in which they could enhance the existing collaboration between the Border Force and the Royal Navy.

(Image: Sky News)

“Ministers have not given the go-ahead yet but it’s about scoping out possibility.”

The armoured assault vessels can reach speeds of 45mph and are normally used to land marines on beaches quickly and hunt drug smugglers.

(Image: Getty)

It comes after it was revealed last week that the UK Border Force had only three cutter vessels to patrol 7,700 miles of coastline.

For the Royal Navy to be called in the Border Force would have to ask formally for assistance under provisions of military aid to the civil power.

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A police and crime commissioner said it is only “a matter of time” before Islamic State smuggle attackers into Britain via un-monitored beaches and harbours.

Martyn Underhill, the independent police commissioner for Dorset, said: “You are as strong as the weakest link. The weakest link is the small sea ports on the south coast.

“A terrorist is going to come through those sea ports and then commit a terrorist offence in a major city or a major sporting event.”

(Image: Getty)

Dorset’s police marine unit has been cut to one sergeant and two constables with only one rigid inflatable boat known as an RIB to patrol its 89 miles of coastline.

Most coastal forces have cut or abolished marine units in recent years.

Mr Underhill said he is particularly concerned about undefended beaches and harbours near Weymouth, Portland and Poole.

(Image: Splash)

He added: “The Border Force have the cutters, it’s their responsibility to be the front line against people trying to enter the country illegally.

“The police are there to supplement that.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said no formal request had been made for military support to defend the Channel.

She said: “The Navy has not been called in to patrol the Channel for migrants. There is currently no request for military support in the English Channel.”