At least one individual has died and dozens of others have been rescued after a migrant boat crossing the English Channel capsized.

A rescue operation involving seven ships and a helicopter is underneath approach within the Channel, French authorities say.

The operation off the Cap Gris Nez in northern France consists of 5 French ships, one helicopter and two British ships.

The RNLI stated a Dover volunteer lifeboat crew "launched just before 4am to an incident in the Channel".