Violence erupts as migrants torch tents and clash with riot police after work finally begins to demolish the Calais Jungle
Thousands are being transported across France, but there are fears many will not go
FIRES lit up the night sky as migrants torched parts of the notorious 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais after the French authorities moved in to demolish it.
Workers and heavy equipment - flanked by French riot police - moved in to destroy the site where 7,000 once lived in squalid conditions as they waited to attempt the journey to a better life.
Politicians have raised concerns that France's plan to transport migrants away from the camp will not bring an end to migrant slums in the country.
The far-right Front National party said the government's plan would create mini-Calais camps across France - as it has been reported as many as 2,000 migrants may refuse to leave the Jungle and set up new camps along the coast.
There are 167 new asylum centres - with room for a total of 7,500 people - spread across all corners of the country.
Prior to the camp's evacuation, which saw 2,300 migrants loaded onto buses on Monday, people were instructed to choose two preferred regions of France.
The southeastern region of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes has taken the most - 1,784 - while the neighbouring region of Bourgogne-France-Comte will receive the least, just 750.
However, one 32-year-old migrant, named as Khan, has insisted he will not settle in France. He said: "France is a good country but just not right for me and my situation. I am going to stay and I will build another jungle!"
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It is thought many migrants who remain determined to reach Britain may simply scatter into the surrounding countryside, and regroup in Calais at a later date.
A young Syrian migrant named only as Sam revealed some migrants even left the Jungle early to avoid being relocated by the authorities - indicating some may continue their efforts to get to the UK.
He told AFP: "I have been in the Jungle for 13 months and during this time I have learnt not to trust the authorities. So last night I left the Jungle and pitched my tent in another place nearby."
As a result, there are reportedly also fears the crisis could shift to other ports along the northern French and Belgian coast.
Christian Salome, president of non-profit group Auberge des Migrants, said: "Each time they dismantle part of the camp it's the same thing. You're going to see them go into hiding and then come back. The battles will continue."
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