Number of people detained after boat found off Hastings

A spokesman for Sussex Police said they were responding to reports of a number of people in a boat off Winchelsea Beach.

The report came in at 1.16pm, they added.

At 4.30pm, a spokesman added: “HM Coastguard assisted with a search for the boat, which was found at Rock-a-Nore, near Hastings, later in the afternoon.

“A number of people, believed to have come from the boat, were detained and arrangements were being made to hand them over to Border Force officers.”

The coastguard said it was coordinating the search and rescue operation, a spokesman confirmed.

They worked alongside Border Force, Sussex Police and other partners.

A spokesman for the coastguard added: “We have sent RNLI lifeboats from Hastings and Rye Bay, coastguard rescue teams from Rye Bay, Bexhill, Langdon Battery and Hastings, Border Force vessel Hunter and the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd.

“We are committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country.

“HM Coastguard is only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.”

Eyewitnesses said police, the police helicopter and border force officers were called to the scene.

The Home Office and the ambulance service have also been approached for more information.

More to follow.