Three suspected migrants trying to reach the UK in a small boat have been detained by Border Force officials after they were spotted by a passing ferry.

The three people on board the boat are believed to be Iranians who were taken to Dover to be processed.

They were spotted by a passing P&O ferry in the Channel early yesterday morning.

The incident comes a week after a dinghy carrying 18 Albanian adults and two children was intercepted off the coast of Kent at Dymchurch. It was later reported the dinghy had been bought on eBay.

It is thought more migrants could attempt to enter the UK during the warmer weather and calmer seas.

A statement from the Home Office said: "Border Force was contacted at 5.23am on June 7 by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) informing us that a small boat had been spotted by a ferry containing three people wearing life jackets.

"A Border Force cutter was deployed immediately and picked up the individuals onboard who are believed to be Iranian nationals. They have since been transported to Dover where processing of the group is underway."

More follows.