A MOTORBOAT heading from Morocco carrying 40 would-be migrants attempting to enter Spain via the 'back door' has been intercepted near Punta Sabinar (Almería).

The coastguard service detected the boat at around 22 miles south of the shore.

They say there were seven women and two children amongst the passengers, but that all appeared to be in a good state of health.

All passengers have been taken to Motril (Granada) where they are receiving first aid, food, water and clean, dry clothes from rescuers.

Coastguard officials set out to the scene by air and sea after being alerted of a boat leaving a northern port in Morocco.

It is not known what nationality the passengers are, since they may have travelled to Morocco from countries further south.