Britain's coastguard is responding to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off England's northeastern coast, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said on Monday.

"A Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes. A coastguard fixed-wing aircraft and nearby vessels with firefighting capability are also being sent. The incident remains ongoing," the agency said in a statement.

The alarm for the incident was raised at 0948 GMT.