Arrest made following fatal Channel crossing

File photo of a French rescue vessel with a group of migrants on an inflatable dingy

A man has been arrested in Kent in connection with a Channel crossing which led to the death of a woman in France, the National Crime Agency (NCA) says.

The NCA said the French authorities were alerted to a boat in trouble in the early hours of Sunday and a woman was airlifted to hospital, but later died.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in Manston on Monday and was questioned on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration before being bailed pending further enquiries.

The boat continued its journey to the UK, and arrived in Dover carrying about 40 people, the NCA said.

The NCA says it is continuing its work with French authorities to establish the circumstances which led to the woman's death.

NCA branch commander Mark Howes said: “Working with partners we remain determined to do all we can to target, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks involved in organised immigration crime, and prevent them from exploiting the desperation of others.”

He added: "This tragedy demonstrates how dangerous these crossings are, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the individual who died."