At the Plage des pauvres, just north of Le Touquet, an unnamed 26-year-old French gendarme claimed he was kidnapped and beaten by migrants attempting to cross the English Channel into the UK on Saturday, November 25, 2023. The officer, a reservist on a break from patrolling the beach to curb illegal crossings, found himself in a perilous situation that has raised concerns about the escalating tensions at the border, as reported by The Daily Mail.
According to reports, the lone gendarme was ambushed and forcibly placed into a vehicle, raising suspicions that it could have connections to human trafficking activities. While initial local accounts pointed fingers at migrants, a senior police chief in the area emphasized that it remains ‘unclear’ whether migrants were indeed involved in the alleged attack.
The gendarme, left in a ‘state of shock,’ was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, as confirmed by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor’s office. The officer recounted the harrowing experience, stating that he was kidnapped in a vehicle possibly linked to facilitating the illegal entry and stay of migrants.
Given the severity of the incident, the 26-year-old officer, drafted in from another region, has been granted 10 days off work for ‘post-traumatic shock.’ The Écuires gendarmerie’s investigative brigade has taken charge of the ‘atypical’ investigation, focusing on unraveling the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection to the incident.
Local newspaper Nord Littoral provided additional details, suggesting that the officer was attacked and kidnapped by a group of migrants while on a rest period at Plage des pauvres, near Saint-Gabriel. The report mentioned a specific injury to the officer’s knee, highlighting the physical toll of the encounter.
This disturbing incident comes amid a recent surge in attempted crossings into the UK through the Opal Coast, encompassing Dunkirk, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and Calais. The region has become a focal point for migrants seeking entry into the United Kingdom, often facing perilous journeys and desperate measures.
The investigation into this incident holds significant implications for understanding the complex dynamics at the English Channel border. It raises questions about the safety of law enforcement officers tasked with maintaining order and addressing the challenges posed by migration.
As authorities delve into the details, the incident underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to manage border security while ensuring the humane treatment of those seeking refuge or a better life across borders.
