An air and sea search and rescue mission was launched today in the Channel.

It followed an incidents involving small boats which were believed to have women and young children on board.

People in lifejackets and blankets have been seen arriving at Dover on Border Force vessels as well as at Dungeness aboard an RNLI lifeboat.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it co-ordinated the mission.

The MCA worked with Border Force on the operation earlier and it said that it had sent out the RNLI from Dover and its own fixed wing aircraft.

An MCA spokesman said: "HM Coastguard will continue to safeguard life around the seas and coastal areas of the UK, working with search and rescue resources in the area.

"If a vessel needs search and rescue assistance, HM Coastguard will continue to respond to all those in need. Please contact the Home Office for any further information."

No further details have emerged yet, including of how many small boats were involved and how many people needed rescuing.

But KentOnline has contacted organisations such as the Home Office to learn more.