UK rescued 444 migrants from the English Channel crossing as Rwanda deportation flight cancelled

More than 440 people were found trying to cross the English Channel on the same day as the UK’s first scheduled deportation flight to Rwanda.

This was the highest number to make an attempt on the same day in two months.

It came as the UK attempted to start deporting asylum seekers arriving in the UK on unofficial routes - such as on small boats across the Channel - to Rwanda.

The flight was grounded at the last minute after an intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, has insisted the plan will continue, which ministers claim will help to disrupt the activities of people smugglers.

Official government figures revealed 444 people were detected attempting to cross the Channel on small boats on Tuesday - the largest number on the same day since 562 in mid-April.

A total of 11 boats were also picked up by authorities, suggesting an average of 40 people on each, according to the Ministry of Defence.

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At least four ships brought migrants into Dover - one RNLI lifeboat and three Border Force vessels.

Among those rescued were a heavily pregnant woman, a number of babies carried by their parents or Border Force staff, and one father carrying his toddler son on his shoulders as they were brought ashore.

When asked where they came from, the refugees said Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Upon being asked if they knew they could be sent to Rwanda, one migrant replied: “What? No.”

With warm weather and low winds predicted for Wednesday, it is anticipated more crossings will be attempted.

Thousands have attempted to cross the Channel since Ms Patel announced the deal to send migrants to Rwanda.

Additional reporting by Press Association