Eight migrants detained after crossing Channel in dinghy as numbers attempting journey surge

More than 220 people, including 40 children, have been intercepted in sea in little more than a week

Border Force bring migrants to shore on Tuesday (PA)

Eight migrants have been detained after they were caught getting out of a dinghy on the Kent coast, authorities have said.

The group were passed to immigration officials on Saturday morning after being spotted coming in across the English Channel near the village of Kingsdown.

It comes as the coastguard said it had launched a number of rescue operations in the area amid a surge in the number of people attempting to make the crossing from France.

More than 220 migrants, including at least 40 children, have been intercepted since 22 August.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said crews would be “rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities”.

She added: “HM Coastguard has been coordinating a search and rescue response to a number of incidents on the Kent coast, working with Border Force, Kent Police and other partners.”

Border Force has said it has been responding to a “number of incidents” out at sea.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, said on Friday that urgent action is needed to tackle the migrant crisis in the Channel, adding that plans are being drawn up “immediately” to deal with the issue.

Her comments came following a meeting with French interior minister Christophe Castaner in Paris, where the pair agreed to step up resources to intercept and stop the wave of crossings in small boats.

The prospect of British financial support for efforts to stem the flow of crossings from France was discussed at the meeting, according to the French AFP news agency. Mr Castaner said that money from London would “reinforce patrols and improve effectiveness”.

Last week Boris Johnson warned illegal migrants they would be sent back if they risked crossing the Channel.