News

A lorry carrying 12 illegal immigrants was waved through the Port of Dover  and it wasn't until its German driver became suspicious near Brighton, after hearing noises from the back of the truck, that a dozen stowaways were found hiding in the vehicle.

The driver who was due to make another delivery in Hove delivered his human cargo to officers at the town's police station early yesterday morning (11 November).

The men in the back of the lorry were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police confirmed the men were arrested but said the force could not comment as the issue was being dealt with by the UK Border Agency.

A spokeswoman for the UK Border Agency said four of the men were from Iran, four were from Iraq and four were from Afghanistan.

Six were under the age of 18 and were now being cared for by Brighton and Hove social services.

She said: “The remaining men have been served with papers and are in Dover being dealt with by the UK immigration team.”

The driver was questioned and released without charge.