Two suspected asylum seekers have been rescued after being spotted screaming for help in the Channel.

Walmer lifeboat crews were called out just after 3pm today amid claims two people had been seen on board a rubber dinghy.

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A Border Force spokeswoman said: "This afternoon Border Force officers were alerted to two suspected illegal entrants who were rescued by the RNLI off the coast of Kent. Both individuals are believed to be Pakistani nationals and have been detained while further investigations take place."

A spokesman for the Dover Maritime Coordination Centre said they had a call just after 3pm today saying a rubber dinghy with two people on board had apparently broken free of a yacht off the Zetland Arms in Deal.

The occupants were shouting for help.

Lifeboat crews bought the pair ashore, where they were given medical treatment.

The statement continued: "Kent Police Frontier Operations and the UK Border Force have been informed."

It comes just days after suspected asylum seekers were spotted trying to enter the UK in a rubber dinghy bound for Dover.

On Saturday an inflatable dinghy was towed into Dover Harbour after it was seen by a cross channel ferry in the early hours.

Video: The people are picked up by a lifeboat crew. Video from Dover Sea Safari