Border forces are dealing with an incident off the Kent coast.

It is believed to be linked to an empty inflatable boat which has been seen drifting in the water near Walmer.

Lifejackets have also been spotted near Shakespeare Beach in Dover.

Three lifeboats have been launched as part of the operation.

A group of 34 migrants were picked up earlier this week and brought into Dover on Monday - the largest arrival on a single boat to date.

Travelling on a small inflatable boat, the group, which included five children, a woman and 28 men from Iraq and Iran, was intercepted by two border force cutters and a coastal patrol vessel.

A total of 379 migrants are believed to have arrived in Kent after making the dangerous crossing from France to date, a situation which the Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared a "major incident" at Christmas.

The Home Secretary met his French counterpart in January to discuss possible solutions.

A group calling themselves 'patriots' also announced earlier this month that they would begin monitoring the coast in an attempt to halt migrants landing on the shore.

The Romney Marsh-based South East Coastal Defence claims its 40-member strong patrol will monitor the waters between Dungeness and Deal, and notify authorities of any arrivals.

The Home Office has advised the group against taking direct action.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Border Force is currently dealing with an ongoing small boat incident off the Kent coast. Further details will be provided once the situation has been resolved."

HM Coastguard confirmed it is currently assisting the border forces with an incident.

More as we get it.