At least 13 people have died and a major rescue operation is underway after a small boat capsized, according to French media reports.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the tragedy in the English Channel, off the coast of Le Portel in France.

More than 50 asylum seekers were onboard the boat when it capsized.

Le Portel mayor Olivier Barbarin has closed the beach to allow helicopters to land.

He told Sky News at least 13 people have died after “the bottom of the boat ripped open”.

Dover’s Labour MP Mike Tapp posted on social media site X: “I'm saddened to hear of more reported deaths in the Channel. My thoughts are with all those affected.

“These evil smuggling gangs are killing people in our seas and will not be left to commit these crimes.”

Several people needed emergency treatment and a temporary medical post has been set up at the port at Boulogne-sur-Mer, about 28 miles south west of Calais.

Some people have been rescued - including by air - and transferred to a nearby port.

A number of bodies have been covered with white sheets, according to French media.

Sky News is reporting an RNLI lifeboat docked in Dover today with people on board after an incident in the Channel.

It is not known if those people were rescued from the same incident off the coast of France.

More as we get it.