Eight suspected illegal immigrants heading for Kent have been rescued after a boat sank in the Channel this morning.

Dover Coastguard sent a crew to help in the hunt for the inflatable vessel at about 8.30am.

A lifeboat and helicopter have been used to search the site, in French-controlled waters.

A spokesman for the French coastguard said a UK helicopter helped winch one of the immigrants from the boat and take him to a Calais hospital.

The other seven suspected illegal immigrants are being held by French border police.

Two Britons are also believed to have been arrested by French authorities.