Clashes break out at French hostel

LILLE, France -- French riot police have been called to a refugee hostel in Calais after clashes broke out among those sheltering at the centre.

Officials said 13 people were hurt, two seriously, during Sunday's violence between Afghan and Kurdish refugees at the Red Cross hostel at Sangatte, near the Channel port.

They linked the clashes to a decision by French and British leaders, meeting on Friday in the French city of Cahors, to tighten measures to prevent would-be migrants from entering Britain illegally.

They said the violence was sparked by the presence of a smuggler whose speciality was getting people into Britain illegally.

Many of the 850 people now in the shelter are among the 1,700 people prevented last month from illegally boarding vehicles or trains in and around Calais port to take them secretly to Britain.

One man who tried to walk towards the Channel tunnel along rail lines in foggy conditions was struck and killed by a train last week.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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