Hungarian police have sealed the main and remaining crossing point used by refugees and migrants coming over its southern border from Serbia.

Record numbers have arrived in recent days as Budapest raced to erect a 175 kilometre-long border fence and pass new legislation.

Sending a delegation of police officers to the area, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban said:“The new rules taking effect from Tuesday will strengthen the protection of Hungary’s borders. From Tuesday, crossing the border illegally will be a crime leading to prison or expulsion.”

From now on, only official asylum requests will be processed. Those who do not cooperate will remain at the border, while anyone who tries to enter illegally faces arrest and possible imprisonment.