Paramedics with the South East Coast Ambulance Service have been on the scene, the UK Coastguard confirmed.

Suella Braverman will chair an emergency meeting with the Small Boats Operational Command Gold this morning.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman said: “HM Coastguard is currently assisting the French authorities, Gris Nez, in a search and rescue response to an incident involving a small boat in the Channel.

“HM Coastguard will continue to work with search and rescue partners to respond to those in distress around the seas and coastal areas of the UK.”

A Dover RNLI lifeboat crewed with rescue teams from Folkestone and Langdon Bay helped migrants out of the water.

The Home Office said: “We are aware of an incident in the Channel. HM Coastguard are working on a coordinated response and further information will be provided in due course.”