UPDATE: 18 Albanians and two Britons rescued from sinking boat in Channel

Border force officials have confirmed that 18 Albanians and two Britons are being questioned, after they were rescued from a boat that starting sinking off the coast of Kent overnight.

It's been reported that some of the passengers phoned relatives in Calais to let them know they were in trouble.

The French authorities were then alerted and contacted the UK coastguard.

A search and rescue helicopter was mobilised from nearby Lydd airport just before midnight on Saturday.

Two lifeboats with coastguard rescue teams from Dungeness and Folkestone began the search, off the coast near Dymchurch.

About two hours later, a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, known as a rhib, was found.

Initial reports were that 19 people were on board, but the UK border Force has since said that 20 people are being questioned.

The group have been taken to Dover.