A small boat with 13 migrants on board - including three children - were intercepted and brought into Ramsgate this morning.

It came just hours after eight migrants were rescued and taken to Dover.

At about 1.30am, Border Force officials were alerted to a small boat in the Channel. It was intercepted by a coastal patrol vessel.

The eight males on board - who presented themselves as Iranian nationals - were taken to Dover, where they were medically assessed before being transferred to immigration officials to be interviewed.

Then, at 7.40am officials received a report of a second boat.

One man on board was unwell and transported to hospital for treatment.

The other 12 individuals - three children, one woman and seven men - were taken into Ramsgate before being assessed and transferred for interview.

"Crossing the Channel in a small boat is a huge risk - the criminal gangs who perpetuate this are ruthless and do not care about loss of life..." the Home Office

Their nationalities have not yet been established.

The Home Office has once again issued a warning to those crossing the Channel, saying it is a "huge risk".

Since January, more than 75 people who have arrived illegally in small boats have been returned.

A spokesman said: "The criminal gangs who perpetuate this are ruthless and do not care about loss of life.

“We are working closely at all levels with the French authorities to tackle this dangerous and illegal activity.

"In addition, Border Force cutters are patrolling the Channel and we have already deployed equipment including drones, CCTV and night vision goggles.

“Last month the Home Secretary and her French counterpart agreed to intensify joint action to tackle small boat crossings in the Channel. This includes drawing up an enhanced action plan to deploy more resources along the French coast to intercept and stop crossings.”

There has been cases almost every week in the last year of migrants trying to reach the UK on small boats.

The highest known number of migrants attempting to cross the channel yesterday, with a total of 86 people picked up following five crossings.

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