Belgium has announced it has imposed controls on its border with France amid fears of an influx of migrants.

Up to 290 police officers would be deployed along the border, said Interior Minister Jan Jambon.

The move comes as a French court deliberates over the legality of plans imminently to evict thousands of migrants from part of the “Jungle” camp in Calais.

“They’re already on their way here,” Mr Jambon was quoted as saying.

He said the controls, which entail a suspension of the EU’s Schengen accord allowing passport-free travel, would last “as long as necessary”.

The controls did not mean the border would be closed, he said, but “targeted checks” would be carried out – and those caught immediately deported.

“We are going to guard the border in strategic places, chosen and known by police as potential smuggling routes.”