Germany has begun random checks at its borders with five Western European nations, expanding a system of controls already in place at its four other borders.

Germany is to begin checks on people entering the country at a number of border crossings including those with France from next week. It is part of wider plans to tackle illegal and irregular immigration into the country, said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

A temporary extension of border controls to all of Germany’s nine land frontiers takes effect on Monday, effectively removing the guarantee of free movement within the European Union set out in the Schengen provisions.