People surge into flooded Melilla

The border between Morocco and Melilla is usually well guarded

As many as 30 African migrants have taken advantage of flood damage to cross into the Spanish enclave of Melilla, from neighbouring Morocco.

Heavy rains have caused two rivers to breach their banks in the Spanish city on the north African coast.

The floodwaters swept away part of a barrier erected to prevent migrants crossing into Melilla.

Police are looking for the sub-Saharan African migrants, who waded through mud and water near a floodgate.

Melilla is a target for hopeful migrants, aiming to make the journey on to Spain or other EU countries.

Spain has heavily fortified the fence that divides it from Morocco.

Police said they managed to prevent most of the group from entering, but say some managed to get past.

"We had people there but they came at us in force and we couldn't stop so many," said a spokesman for the Spanish government's office in Melilla.

The town has suffered some of its worst flooding in 30 years, and weather forecasts suggest heavy rain is set to continue.

The conditions have cut access to Melilla by land, air and sea.

Both Melilla and another enclave, Ceuta, are claimed by Morocco.