French police seemed to have all the gear but no idea as dozens of migrants scrambled on to dinghies bound for Britain.

Despite their specialist uniforms with riot helmets, waterproof body-worn cameras, non-lethal handguns and pistol-grip pepper spray, the gendarmerie stood and watched as the overloaded boats sailed over the horizon.

An onlooker said: ‘The officers came well equipped for the job, but then didn’t do anything as all these blokes piled on to dodgy-looking inflatables.’

Read more: French police at it again as small boats rammed with migrants set off unchallenged for Britain from Dunkirk beach