At least 600 sub-Saharan migrants have succeeded in storming the security fences guarding the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the north coast of Morocco.

The Spanish Civil Guard said migrants used improvised weapons and splashed some of the security forces with quicklime as they breeched the six metre-high barbed wire barrier.

It said 22 officers needed medical treatment, while the Red Cross said dozens of migrants received injuries.

Spain has overtaken Italy as the prime destination for migrants wanting to reach Europe, partly as a result of Italy's tougher stance on migrants.