'A TRAGEDY born out of an impossible situation' - those are the words of a Dorset MP after the death of an asylum seeker on Portland.

Representatives of the community have voiced their sadness after the tragedy on the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge yesterday, with the Mayor of Portland calling the incident 'inexpressively sad'.

Emergency services were called to the barge yesterday morning with three police cars seen in the courtyard outside the vessel at around 6.44am yesterday morning (December 12).

Dorset Police confirmed the 'sudden death' of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: "This is a tragedy born of an impossible situation. I was informed of the death by the Home Office this morning and await more information.

"While I never agreed to, nor accepted the imposition of the barge on South Dorset, I believe it was at least a decent, safe haven for some of those cruelly trafficked across the Channel.

"One can only imagine the desperate circumstances which led to this sad outcome; we must do all that we can to end this evil trade in human misery."

Further details of the incident are yet to be confirmed and the man's age and country of origin are not yet known.

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.” 

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 6.22am on Tuesday, December 12, Dorset Police received a report of a sudden death of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm.

"Officers are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of the incident. The coroner’s office has been notified of the death."

Mayor of Portland, Carralyn Parkes, said: "It is inexpressibly sad to hear someone has died on the Bibby Stockholm.

"We have no clear information as to the cause of death.

"Whatever it was, it is so terribly sad that someone's life has come to an end on the Bibby Stockholm.

"I can't imagine what is happening on board.

"My heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of the person who died and the people on the Bibby Stockholm.

"It is a terribly sad thing to happen.

"My message to asylum seekers is: If you can hear this, stay strong and know there are people in the community who care about what is happening to you."

The cause of death of the man remains unconfirmed.

Reports from charities working with asylum seekers and residents of the barge have told the Echo that the man took his own life.

Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, said: "We have regularly been reporting suicidal intentions among residents and no action is taken."

Nicola David, of One Life to Live said: "If this was by suicide, we must not be shocked."

Residents on board the barge have also told the Echo that the man took his own life.