'TERROR CELL' SNEAKS IN ON SMALL BOATS

Security sources reveal how a team of fanatics on mission illegally entered UK

- Marco Giannangeli and Jonathan Walker

A MANHUNT was under way last night after six suspected terrorists landed in Britain, having crossed the Channel in a small boat.

The foreign nationals all have links to Islamist groups and are believed to be backed by terror paymasters Iran.

They are thought to be on a mission to target the Government or public services.

The radical group arrived in the UK illegally from northern France weeks ago after travelling across Europe from Syria.

Security services are monitoring the movements of three of the fugitives, but the others - believed to be using fake identity documents - have disappeared. Sources say a high-level decision was made to keep the known suspects under surveillance in the hope it would lead to other terror cell members.

Anti-terror chiefs are also aware that attempts to remove them could result in lengthy legal battles.

Their arrival brings to 25 the number of terrorist suspects who have used small boats to enter Britain this year alone. Some have been living in hotels or have lodged asylum claims. Last night MPs seized on the revelation to crank up pressure on the Government to do more to tackle small boats.

Terror trio 'backed by Iran' disappear on mission to UK

Shocked Tory Marco Longhi, who sits on the Commons home affairs committee, said: "This is yet another reason why firm action is needed.

"We already know the impact illegal migration has on housing, the NHS and local authority resources. This should provide a wake-up call about the threat to national security due to our vulnerable borders.

"It is terrifying to think we might not know the dangers posed by some of those already here."