Tens of thousands of migrants surged into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in an unprecedented and deadly influx, driven in part by social media rumours. Spanish authorities said about 50,000 people crossed by land and sea from Thursday into Ceuta, one of the European Union's only land borders with Africa. The misleading posts gave migrants the false impression that Spain had relaxed its rules and that those reaching Ceuta by sea would be allowed to stay. In response, Spain has installed a floating barrier. The crisis has put Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government on the spot, with EU ministers set to discuss the matter on Tuesday. Spain also defended its sovereignty over Ceuta after the rush of migrants from neighbouring Morocco.