A controversial accommodation barge set to house hundreds of asylum seekers has left Falmouth Harbour this morning.

The Bibby Stockholm was being moved out to sea by tug boats for its journey to Dorset.

It is due to arrive in Portland Port in the coming days as part of the Home Office's policy to reduce the £6m daily cost of accommodating claimants.

The vessel arrived in Falmouth on 9 May and was initially meant to stay for a short period. Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, also told the Commons on 5 June that it would be in Portland "Within a fortnight".

Biiby Stockholm leaving Falmouth harbour. (Image: SWNS)

The delays over the refit made many people skeptical about the true cost of the barge and put further pressure on the government's plans.

The barge has raised many questions during its time in Falmouth and even led to protests in town and at A&P docks where it was refitted.

Protests have also been organised in Dorset, where the vessel will be a temporary home for up to 500 single adult male asylum seekers.

Read more:

• Opinion: The barge being refitted in Falmouth is a hulking reminder of the government's failure to end the dangerous channel crossings
• Watch: Police officer confronted at Cornwall Resists' Bibby Stockholm meeting
• Migrant barge departure delayed and calls for plans to be scrapped
• Protest group target A&P's phoneline during 'week of resistance' against migrant barge