Thousands of migrants have been trying to reach the EU (AP/Emilio Morenatti)

A boat loaded with 93 migrants, including 42 children and 17 women, has landed on the north-eastern coast of Cyprus, police said.

The boat was spotted around nine miles off the coast before landing near the village of Kato Pyrgos, a police official said.

The official said police officers found the migrants at the landing point shortly after midnight on Saturday.

The migrants were given medical check-ups and will be transferred later to a reception centre near the capital, Nicosia.

PA Media