CEUTA, Spain/ FNIDEQ, Morocco: Spain and Morocco strengthened security along the border of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Friday1 and appeared to stop large numbers of migrants from crossing.

This came after about 49,000 people reached the area by land and sea in a single day. Authorities also said that at least 19 bodies were found in the water.

The sudden wave of crossings into Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, caused concern across Europe. Some countries reacted strongly, with Italy warning it could take tough action over the situation.

At the main entry points, Moroccan forces used water cannons and pushed back groups trying to cross. Nearby, burned-out remains of a bus and several cars showed the damage caused during clashes between migrants and security forces.

Spanish officials said they would try to quickly remove people who had entered illegally. However, a recent court decision has placed limits on fast-track expulsions at the border.

Ceuta and Melilla are the only land borders between the European Union and Africa. Both cities have populations of about 85,000 and often face pressure from migrants trying to enter Europe.

Even though the main crossing point was blocked, groups of migrants walked along the coast looking for other ways around the fence. Some prepared to swim across.

"I was late," said Brahim, 32, who had come from Tangier hoping to cross through the gate but found it closed.

Women and children were also among those trying to enter the city of about 85,000 people. Many came from Morocco and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Moroccan authorities used water cannons and increased security at the gates, pushing people back repeatedly.

Nearby, the burned remains of a bus and seven vehicles could be seen after clashes broke out when authorities tried to stop the crowds, according to witnesses.

Another migrant said he had been caught in a stampede during one attempt to cross and described feeling afraid for his life as people pushed and stepped on each other along a narrow coastal path.

Early on July 31, a 23-year-old woman named Fatima Mahli sat with her two daughters beside the road near the crossing. She said her husband had left before sunrise to try to swim to Ceuta. She explained that she had hoped to cross on foot with her family, but they were now stuck and unable to return home.