A major rescue operation is underway after a boat has caught fire in the English Channel.

At least 157 people have been rescued from the vessel, which French authorities said was carrying migrants trying to cross the English Channel.

Rescuers from the UK and France are helping the vessel after migrants had attempted to cross the English Channel near Boulogne-sur-Mer.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region.

"UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting."

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said its Eastbourne all-weather boat was launched around 6am, according to Sky News reports.

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