Eurostar CHAOS as drunken British passengers spark major security scare in Calais
TWO drunken British passengers caused a major security scare that saw more than 750 Eurostar passengers stranded in Calais.
French police boarded a Eurostar train from Paris to London to arrest two drunken British passengers
An emergency stop was announced to allow French police to board the Paris to London train so as to arrest the two passengers.
But while the train was standing still at Calais-Frethun station on Monday evening doors were opened, sparking fears migrant stowaways may have been able to get on board.
The situation led to the French authorities insisting on all passengers going through security checks again – a process that took more than six hours.
A source working for SNCF, France’s national railway, said: “The police were dealing with a couple of aggressive British drunks on board.
“It was very warm night, and doors were opened while the train was stopped still.
The standstill at Calais-Frethun station sparked fears that migrants may have boarded the train
"This caused a security scare, and everybody on board had to be re-checked.”
Police and customs officers were involved in the re-checking of tickets and passports, which went on past 3am.
This meant that the train did not get into London St Pancras until the early hours of this morning.
Police and custom officers re-checked passengers' tickets and passports which took over six hours
Migrants cause disruption by climbing onto Eurostar ROOF
One irate passenger tweeted: “4.15am arrival time. So, so tired.
"Eurostar – look forward to hearing real reason for delays and compensation. But handled as best it could (be) at time.”
Another wrote: “Poor and expensive judgement calls by Eurostar tonight – 6.6 hour stop in Calais to remove disruptive passengers.”
Eurostar itself initially used the social media platform to announce: “Apologies to ES9059 passengers. French authorities have been holding train in Calais. We are seeking its release asap.”
The Eurostar didn't arrive at London's St Pancras station until 4:15am
Later the company said: “Sincere regrets and apologies to passengers, and encouraged those on board to claim compensation.”
Journey time from Paris to London is normally more than two hours, but the ES9059 took more than nine.
Calais is currently in a state of high alert following the arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers who are trying to get on board trains and ferries heading to the UK.