A RAFT carrying 77 Africans hoping to enter Spain via the ‘back door’ has been intercepted in the port of Los Cristianos (Tenerife).

The owner of the raft was arrested by the Guardia Civil as soon as he touched dry land.

All the would-be immigrants are said to be in a good state of health, although several children were among the passengers and they were due to face further medical tests today.

Coastguard workers spotted the raft, which was said to be dangerous and unseaworthy, at around eight miles off the coast of the island.