Volunteers assist police as migrants arrive at Pett Level

Emergency services were called to Pett Level after reports of boats off the coast.
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Pictures from the scene showed officers with a group of people who had arrived at the beach at about 12pm on Saturday (May 16).

A police spokesman said: "At 1.29pm on Saturday (16 May) police received a report that a number of migrants had come ashore in the Pett Level area of East Sussex. Police assisted the Border Force, who are the lead agency."

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Reports suggested the migrant boat was intercepted off the coast of Winchelsea and brought ashore at Pett Level.

Police at the scenePolice at the scene
Police at the scene

Earlier on Saturday, five migrant boats were taken to Dover after being stopped in the Channel, according to reports.

The Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat Team said it was called to the incident to support the coastguard, Border Force and RNLI Hastings 'with incoming boats to the local shores'.

A spokesman said: "The crew was tasked to provide safe escort to a boat of 25 displaced persons landing illegally at Pett Level. Once ashore, Border Force and Police dealt with processing the persons from the boat, which had arrived from France.

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"Our base crews supported with first aid assistance, by providing blankets and water, as required. Our base and boathouse was made available to Border Force and the emergency services, to accommodate the refugees and to provide operational shelter and hospitality to our service colleagues.

Police dealing with the incidentPolice dealing with the incident
Police dealing with the incident

"Social distancing was maintained where possible, with crews spending an extended time cleaning and disinfecting, after the Pulfer boat was returned to the boathouse.

"Thanks to everyone who was able to respond this afternoon and special thanks to our services colleagues for their support, we're very glad to have been of assistance."

The Home Office has been approached for further information.