A major rescue operation was launched this morning in the Channel after it was reported that a migrant boat was in trouble.

Around 80 migrants have been rescued after the boat got into difficulty, according to the Press Association.

Some of the group are thought to have been pulled from the water.

Sky News understands two vessels were involved in the incident.

Coastguard and lifeboat crews were called to help Border Force during the incident off the Kent coast on Thursday morning.

No deaths have been reported at this stage, the PA news agency understands, and it is so far unclear whether anyone will need to be taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said they were “coordinating the response to a small boat incident in the channel”.

“Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent and RNLI lifeboats have been sent,” they added.

Sky News has approached the RNLI for a statement.

In the last seven days 331 people have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel in small boats, the latest government figures show.

Last month saw the highest number of people having crossed the Channel in a single day.

A total of 711 people made the journey in 14 boats on 1 May, according to the Home Office.

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