Small boat crossings have become a political flashpoint in the UK (Picture: Reuters)
At least five people have died while trying to cross the English Channel early this morning.
The migrants were attempting to travel over the busy stretch of water after leaving from a patch of shoreline near the French town of Wimereux.
Local police were operating at a beach in the area today, with the French coast guard saying there were several ‘lifeless bodies’.
A spokesperson said it has been a ‘busy’ morning for crossings and its agents continued to be patrolling the sea.
The latest report of deaths in the Channel comes a day after Rishi Sunak’s plan to deport migrants to Rwanda was backed by the House of Lords.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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