Three people thought to be migrants were rescued from a small boat on the English Channel.

It is thought they were initially brought to Dover before being taken into the care of the Home Office.

Coastguards had contacted the Home Office’s Border Force at 9.30am today, to say that the three on the craft needed help.

A spokesman for the Home Office said that day: “Border Force was contacted by the Coastguard informing us that three individuals in a small boat required assistance.

“ HMC (Her Majesty’s Cutter) Seeker was deployed immediately and picked up the individuals onboard who are believed to be Iranian nationals.

“ The group will now be processed.”

Other media reports said the trio were taken ashore to Dover although the Home Office have refused to confirm this.