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National Crime Agency (NCA) has reported officers have arrested two men wanted by the French authorities over the death a young girl who was attempting to cross the Channel in a small boat.
The youngster died after she boarded the vessel on a beach near Wimereux on 23 April. The boat continued on into UK waters and those on board were brought to shore.
The pair arrested in the Hillingdon area of London are Sudanese nationals aged 19 and 24. They were detained by the NCA at an address in the Hillingdon area of London on Thursday 30 May and are wanted by the French authorities on suspicion of causing the death.
The men appeared before Westminster Magistrates on Saturday 1 June as extradition proceedings got under way. They were remanded in custody until their next appearance on 7 June.
NCA Deputy Director of investigations Craig Turner said:
“These arrests are the result of an investigation led by the French authorities and supported by the NCA alongside other law enforcement partners.
“We said at the time of this tragic incident that we were determined to do all we can to identify those responsible for this event and bring them to justice, that remains the case.”