A major rescue mission was launched in the English Channel this morning as 84 people - including a six-month-old baby and two other children - ended up in the water.

British and French vessels took part in the operation halfway between Calais and Dover.

Border Force vessels, a Coastguard helicopter and lifeboats from Dover and Walmer were also dispatched.

As many as nine specialist ambulance vehicles were spotted heading towards the coast in Dover at about 8am.

According to reports, the small boat had been shadowed by a French warship and had crossed the midway point in the Channel when its engine failed.

Witnesses said it had turned back before flipping, throwing all 84 on the dinghy into the sea.

There have been no reports of fatalities.

It is believed more than 250 more people are currently in boats on the French side of the Channel attempting to make the crossing today.

A coastguard spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a small boat incident in the channel this morning.

“Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent and RNLI lifeboats have been sent.”