Two migrants useless making an attempt to cross the Channel to the UK as large-scale rescue operation launched off Sangatte seashore

Two migrants have died while attempting to cross The Channel to the UK, French media are reporting.

A large-scale rescue operation is said to be underway on a beach in Sangatte, in northern France.

According to La Voix Du Nord, firefighters and law enforcement officers have been deployed in vast numbers this Sunday morning at the Tom Souville base,

Authorities have warned the death toll may rise, as investigations are carried out.

It comes as figures show 1,163 people arrived in the UK by small boat in the week up to Friday.

The total since record began on January 1, 2018, has now topped 150,000.

Of these, 36,204 have arrived since the start of this year, provisional Home Office figures show.

This is up 23 per cent on this time last year, but down 21 per cent on 2022.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.