One person has died and two people are missing after a small boat incident in the Channel, the French coastguard has confirmed.

A statement from the organisation said the French navy had carried out four rescue operations on Wednesday, using boats and a helicopter, assisting around 180 people.

But one person rescued was unable to be resuscitated and two people have yet to be found in the water.

Politics live: Farage hits out at Starmer attack

A spokesperson for the UK Home Office earlier confirmed an incident had taken place, adding: “French authorities are leading the response and investigation.

“We will not be commenting further at this stage.”

A total of 290 people have made the dangerous crossing in the past week, according to statistics from the Home Office.

It brings the total number this year up to 2,006 people.