Police have arrested a 46-year-old man after a further 18 irregular migrants were picked up in Cape Greco shortly after midnight on Sunday morning.

According to police, shortly after midnight eight miles off Cape Greco a small speedboat carrying 18 irregular migrants, 10 men, three women and five children, was stopped by marine police.

The migrants were first taken to a shelter at Ayia Napa Marina before their transfer to Pournara reception centre in Kokkinotrimithia.

The 46-year-old, who appeared to be the pilot of the boat, was arrested and is expected to appear before Famagusta district court later on Sunday for a remand.