The Maltese government has denied a report by Italian news agency Ansa that Maltese forces have 'pushed back' a ferry carrying some 1,500 migrants.

The agency is claiming that the ferry Mistral Express left from the Libyan city of Misurata. It is quoting unnamed sources.

The government said contact had been made with the ferry by the AFM.

Meanwhile, according to Italian media, the Italian government has denied entry for the ship in Italian ports.

The boat is carrying a large number of Moroccans as well as some Libyan migrants. It had been previously reported that the ferry may refuel in Augusta before proceedings to Morocco.

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