Migrants rescued from Channel: Witness says more than 50 picked up

Dozens of migrants were rescued along the south coast on Thursday morning, with one witness telling Sky News more than 50 people were picked up.

The Home Office has confirmed 37 migrants were taken to Dover in Kent after four small boats were intercepted.

Border Force and other law enforcement agencies also dealt with a small boat off the coast of Winchelsea, Sussex.

The Home Office said more information will be provided in due course.

Border Force intercepted a small boat travelling across the Channel towards the UK shortly after 2.30am on Thursday.

A group of nine people, including eight men and a woman, were transferred onto a coastal patrol vessel and taken to Dover.

The migrants told officials they were Iranian nationals.

Border Force was alerted to another small boat travelling towards the UK at around 5am.

The group of nine men and two male children were also transferred to Dover.

The migrants said they were from Iran, Guinea, Kuwait and the Ivory Coast.

A Border Force vessel intercepted a third small boat travelling to the UK after being alerted at 7am.

A group of six men who said they were Iranian nationals were taken to Dover.

Border Force intercepted a fourth boat after being alerted at around 11.30am.

A group of 11 people, included four minors, were also transported to Dover.

The migrants said they were Iranian nationals.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Crossing the Channel in a small boat is a huge risk. The criminal gangs who perpetuate this are ruthless and do not care about loss of life.

"We have three Border Force cutters in the Channel and a joint action plan with France in place, including a coordination centre in Calais which assists with preventing illegal attempts to cross the border.

"Since January we have returned more than 65 people who arrived illegally in small boats to Europe.

"We continue to monitor the ongoing situation and are working closely at all levels with French authorities on the issue.

"The Home Secretary will raise this issue with her French counterpart in the coming days."

MP Charlie Elphicke, who represents Dover, said: "Day by day there are more arrivals from France by small boats across the Channel. It's clear it's rapidly heading to a summer of chaos.

"Urgent action is needed by the French authorities to stop boats setting off from France before there is another tragedy."

It comes after almost 40 migrants were detained by border officials after they crossed the English Channel earlier this month.

Two boats holding 40 migrants , including men, women and children, were intercepted in the waters in June.