Priti Patel brings in 'Migrant Czar' to halt illegal immigrants crossing Channel

Priti Patel has hired a leading crimebuster to tackle migrant boats flooding over the Channel.

Ex-National Crime Agency bigwig Dan O’Mahoney will have the new role of Clandestine Channel Threat Commander.

Home Secretary Patel was left stunned when a record 202 migrants crossed from France in 20 boats on Thursday.

Since January more than 3,580 have made the perilous journey to reach UK shores. Kent coastguards are constantly mounting search and rescue operations.

Dan O’Mahoney has been appointed Clandestine Channel Threat Commander by Priti Patel (Home Office)

Ms Patel said: “The number of illegal small boat crossings is appalling. We are working to make this route inviable and arresting criminals facilitating crossings.

“Dan’s appointment is vital to cutting this route by bringing together all operational partners in the UK and in France.”

Mr O’Mahoney has been chief of the UK’s Joint Maritime Security Centre since last year bringing together 15 agencies to protect British waters from all threats.

Four men, some using shovels as paddles, use a small dinghy to cross the English Channel (Getty)

Before that he was with the National Crime Agency, the Border Crime Command at Heathrow Airport and served with the Royal Marines in Kosovo and Iraq.

He said: “This role is vitally important in the fight to end the heinous crime of people smuggling across the Channel.”