Nine suspected migrants have been found in Kent after apparently crossing the Channel on a small boat.
The people, who presented themselves to the authorities as Iranian nationals, were found in Folkestone.
Border Force was called on Sunday morning and found the vessel close to Folkestone Harbour.
The people were taken to Dover, with the help of the Coastguard, and are now being processed in line with UK immigration laws. Immigration Enforcement has also launched a criminal investigation.
It comes nine days after seven Iranian migrants were intercepted in the English Channel near Dover.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are alert to the risk posed by people attempting to reach the UK illegally via small boats.
“This year we have increased the number of coastal patrol vessel and, in light of recent events, have stepped up deployments along the south-east coast.
"We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners in the UK and overseas to tackle people smuggling at source.”
She added: "Nobody should put their life at risk attempting to smuggle themselves into the UK across the Channel. Thankfully, this route to the UK remains relatively rare."
