At least six dead and 50 rescued after small boat trying to cross Channel capsizes

Search and rescue operation ongoing after dozens of boats tried to cross from France at same time, according to mayor

At least six people have died and more than 50 have been rescued after a boat trying to cross the Channel from France capsized, according to French authorities.

Franck Dhersin, the mayor of Teteghem, near Dunkirk, said a vast rescue operation was launched at about 6am (5am BST) as dozens of boats tried to make the crossing at the same time.