French coastguard launch search and rescue mission in Channel for 36 migrants

The French coast guard is carrying out a search and rescue mission for 36 people in the English Channel, the maritime authority for northern France has said.

This follows the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the Channel in November 2021, including a pregnant woman and three children.

Last year saw record numbers of migrants cross the Channel from France.

More than 28,000 people made it across the narrow stretch of water from France.

More details to follow...