Asylum seeker dies on Bibby Stockholm as emergency services rush to barge

AN asylum seeker on board the Bibby Stockholm barge docked in Dorset has died.

Two ambulances and three police vehicles rushed to the Portland-based vessel this morning.

A lawyer representing another asylum seeker living on the boat has confirmed the death, reports ITV.

The barge has been controversial - with many protests taking place since its arrival in July.

In response to the protests, a spokesperson for the Home Office said: “This is part of the government’s pledge to reduce the use of expensive hotels and bring forward alternative accommodation options which provide a more cost-effective, sustainable and manageable system for the UK taxpayer and local communities.”

It comes as Rishi Sunak made a last-ditch plea for Tory rebels to back his Rwanda plan as tonight's crunch vote goes down to the wire.

But sceptical right-wing MPs have demanded the PM makes a new offer this afternoon - or risk a massive revolt.

At a bacon butty breakfast this morning Mr Sunak told hardliners that his emergency Rwanda Bill WILL get flights off the ground.

He followed it up with public appeal to right-wing factions threatening to torpedo the legislation, saying: "To stop the boats, we need to back this bill."

It comes after migrants were moved off the barge in August after potentially deadly Legionella bacteria was found.

After two months of checks, asylum seekers were sent back on board the 500-bed vessel in October.

A Home Office spokesperson said:  “We are aware of reporting of an incident involving an asylum seeker on the Bibby Stockholm.  

“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time”