Spain has deployed troops to the North African enclave of Ceuta after a major border breach by thousands of migrants from Morocco.

At least 18 people have reportedly died trying to swim to Spanish territory.

However, Spanish authorities said the army would support border guards as officials work with Morocco to manage the situation and return those who entered illegally.

A sudden wave of arrivals overwhelmed local reception centres, with between 2,000 and 3,000 people reportedly arriving in Ceuta.

The Spanish government says it is working to restore control, and the incident is set to renew the debate on migration and border security across Europe.