A third man has been arrested on suspicion of people smuggling offences.

Two other men were taken into custody yesterday by the National Crime Agency in connection with the rescue of a 'migrant boat'.

Eight men and one woman were found on an inflatable boat by Maritime and Coastguard teams just south of Dungeness yesterday.

Border Force officials are dealing with six men and the woman, who are believed to be from Albania.

The other two men, who are also thought to be Albanian, are being questioned by the National Crime Agency.

All three suspects remain in custody.

NCA senior investigating officer, Martin Grace, said: "This incident demonstrates the dangers associated with attempts to cross the Channel in this manner, and it is extremely fortunate that all those on this vessel were able to be recovered safe and well.

"An investigation is underway and we are working closely with Border Force and Immigration Enforcement."

The search and rescue operation, which involved teams from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the RNLI, Border Force and National Crime Agency, was launched at around 5.30am yesterday.

At the time, Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said: "This underlines yet again the extreme lengths people will go to, risking their lives trying to break into Britain.

"Crossing the English Channel in a small inflatable boat during winter is about as dangerous as it gets.

"We know more migrants are returning to Calais following recent comments by President Macron.

"This is why we must be more vigilant than ever and protect our borders."