An asylum seeker has died after a medical emergency on a small boat in the English Channel.

The RNLI confirmed it had launched its all-weather lifeboat and a group of people were brought to Dover in a Border Force boat on Friday morning.

What appeared to be a blue forensics tent could be seen outside the lifeboat station.

It is not known at this stage exactly how many asylum seekers arrived on Friday.

A police spokesperson said yesterday: “Police was called at 8.26am on Friday, April 18, after a Border Force patrol responded to a medical emergency on a small boat in the English Channel. A man has since been pronounced deceased.

“Officers have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the man’s death.

“The priority remains to establish the man’s identity in order to notify his family.

“Officers are currently at Dover Lifeboat Station while initial inquiries are underway.”

A UK government spokesperson said: “This morning, Border Force responded to a medical emergency on board a small boat entering UK waters.

“It is with regret that we can confirm one individual has died, and our thoughts are with them and their loved ones.

“Investigations are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, but we want to thank those who responded to this incident and who continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and protect lives at sea.”

The death comes after a large rescue operation took place in a separate incident on Thursday, April 17, after “small boat activity” in the Channel.

People were brought to shore in Dover, but it is not yet known how many or if there have been any casualties.