A dinghy containing more than 20 asylum seekers has been intercepted off the Kent coast.

The small boat was brought into Ramsgate's harbour after the coastguard, the RNLI and Border Force were called to the scene.

Rescue teams were scrambled at just after 10am on Sunday to the blue dinghy crammed with people wearing lifejackets.

The Home Office confirmed all of the passengers were accounted for and "no injuries were sustained."

It was reported this month record numbers of people have continued to make the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats.

Men, women and children continue to risk the high dangers involved in crossing the 21-mile Dover Strait in rubber dinghies, with almost 6,000 reaching the UK in the first six months of 2021.

The coastguard assisted Border Force with a number of incidents off the Kent coast on Sunday.

"HM Coastguard is committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country," a spokesperson said.

"We are only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities."

Asylum seekers on small craft are usually picked up from the English Channel by the Border Force and brought to Dover for interview and processing.

Others have been taken in by British authorities after landing on beaches such as at Romney Marsh and the Deal area.

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