A group of suspected asylum seekers was seen with police officers on a Kent town's high street this morning.

Passers-by in Deal noticed the group of around eight people on the corner of High Street and Union Street at about 7.00am, alongside a police van.

The eye-witness said: "My wife and I were doing our daily walk today and at 7.30 am we noticed the group of eight men outside the car park where the Saturday market is held.

"After chatting to the council street cleaner, he informed us that he had just phoned the police. They arrived whilst we were still there.

"Also, we continued our walk to the seafront and noticed a patrol vessel towing a dinghy and assumed this was their mode of transport."

It is understood an inflatable boat was seen being taken away by officials from the beach nearby.

A police spokeswoman said: "We were called to Union Road, Deal at 7.06am today following a report that a number of suspected migrants were in the area.

"Officers attended and passed them into the care of the Home Office Immigration Enforcement."

A Home Office spokesman said: "Border Force is currently dealing with ongoing small boat incidents off the Kent coast.

"Further details will be provided after the initial response and once the situation has been resolved."

Read more: All the latest news from Deal