The Coastguard said it is co-ordinating a search and rescue involving lifeboats and helicopters in response to an incident involving a small migrant boat in the English Channel.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said HM Coastguard was working with the Navy, Border Force and Kent Police on a search and rescue involving a small boat off the coast of Dungeness in Kent.

RNLI lifeboats have been dispatched from Dover, Dungeness, Hastings and Ramsgate alongside coastguard rescue teams from Deal, Dungeness and Folkestone.

Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee on Solent and another from the French navy are also involved.

A fishing vessel in the area is also assisting with the rescue while an air ambulance has also been sent.

Hastings RNLI launched its all weather lifeboat just after 5am this morning.

A Secamb spokesman said: “South East Coast Ambulance Service was called by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency following reports of an incident in the channel at about 3.40am on Wednesday, 14 December.

“We have sent resources to Dover in support of the rescue efforts being undertaken by the Coastguard. As this is an ongoing incident, we have no further updates at this time.”