East Sussex lifeboat assists as migrant vessel is brought to shore in Dungeness

Kent Police was called at 7.29am to a report of suspected migrants on board a vessel in the Channel at Dungeness, a spokesman has confirmed.

He added: "Officers attended Dungeness lifeboat station after the vessel was brought to shore before those on board were passed into the care of Home Office immigration officials."

Hastings and Dungeness Lifeboat was reportedly launched to assist at 8.10am.

According to the Home Office, it was the fourth incident Border Force had to deal with this morning, after being alerted to small boats travelling across the Channel towards the UK.

A spokesperson said: "In the fourth incident, at around 7:30am [in Dungeness], Border Force vessel intercepted a RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) which was carrying a group of 14 people who presented themselves as Iranian nationals."

Outlining the nature of the previous three incidents, which were 'all around Dover', this morning, the spokesperson said: "In the first incident, at around 4:40am, Border Force were alerted to a vessel which was carrying a group of nine people who presented themselves as Iranian nationals.

"In the second incident, at around 6:00am, a Border Force vessel intercepted a RHIB which was carrying a group of five people who presented themselves as Iranian nationals.

"In the third incident, at around 7:00am, Border Force vessel intercepted a RHIB which was carrying a group of 11 people who presented themselves as Iranian nationals."

The Home Office confirmed the people from all boats were taken to Dover where they were 'medically assessed before being interviewed by immigration officials'.

"Crossing the Channel in a small boat is incredibly dangerous," the spokesperson warned.

"Anyone attempting the journey is taking a huge risk with their life and the lives of their loved ones."

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