A search and rescue operation is underway after a plane crashed in the English Channel.

It is understood the aircraft – a Piper PA-28 – was heading for Le Touquet in France as part of a group of aircraft this morning.

Despite the fact the plane may already have already sunk, rescue teams haven’t given up hope of finding the occupants.

However, by this evening, air and sea rescue teams were yet to uncover any evidence of the mystery crash.

The pilot and a single passenger, believed to be the only occupants, have not been publicly identified.

Speaking to The Mirror, a spokesman for the French emergency services said: “It crashed into British waters for an unknown reason.

"British Coastguard launched an operation supported by French aircraft and boats including the Abeille-Languedoc (Languedoc Bee) tug, which has been chartered by the French Navy."