On 30 and 31 July around 80,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, according to the Spanish government’s latest estimate. Roughly 90 per cent have since gone back. But, according to the government’s estimate, somewhere between 7,000 and 9,000 remain in the Spanish city whose normal population is 83,000. Ceuta’s authorities believe the figure may be as high as 11,000.

At least 83 bodies connected with the crossing have been recovered on the Spanish side of the border. Morocco officially acknowledges another 14 deaths but humanitarian organisations have estimated that in total more than 140 people have died since the border was breached.

Among Ceutans, the response has ranged from remarkable generosity to fear and outright hostility

Among Ceutans, the response has ranged from remarkable generosity to fear and outright hostility

In Ceuta itself, there are now fewer migrants wandering through the city centre. The outskirts, however, are another matter. Soldiers have been discouraging young migrants from approaching houses, while military personnel have guarded the entrances to some supermarkets.

At El Trampolín, a little beach which at this time of year would normally be occupied by holidaymakers, hundreds of mainly sub-Saharan migrants have created an improvised settlement. Small huts have appeared, constructed from reeds, branches and pieces of wood. Mattresses lie on the sand and washing hangs from makeshift structures. By day they fish, wrestle, bathe and play football. At night they light fires.

Food arrives once a day. Earlier this........

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