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Tens of thousands of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, with many swimming and using inflatables to travel from Morocco.

Others ran through a gate in the border fence.

The territory's leader, Juan Jesús Vivas, said the number of arrivals has been overwhelming resources and urged the Spanish government to intervene.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as an "attack" and said all illegal migrants would be returned to Morocco "as soon as possible".

Ceuta, on Morocco's northern coast, has long been a focal point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

More than 25,000 have returned to Morocco voluntarily so far, officials said.

More on this story.

Watch: Tens of thousands of migrants enter Spain's Ceuta from Morocco. Video, 00:01:12Watch: Tens of thousands of migrants enter Spain's Ceuta from Morocco

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