Seven arrests after migrants found in lorry on M3

Seven people were arrested after a lorry carrying migrants was stopped on the M3 in Surrey, police said.

Officers responded to a call over concerns about adults and children in the back of a refrigerated lorry on the motorway near Lightwater at about 10:00 GMT on 15 March.

A 36-year-old male driver and a female passenger, 34, both of no fixed address, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry into the UK.

Five men were also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Surrey Police said officers were able to stop the lorry 20 minutes after they had received the call, despite the caller, a non-native English speaker, initially only saying it was on a "fast road".

"The concerns for safety were related to conditions within the lorry and the personal safety of those inside.

"With any call relating to the transportation of believed clandestine migrants, we have to consider that those involved are potential victims of human trafficking."

The vehicle was found to have different registration plates on its front and rear.

Officers who located the lorry as it travelled west on the M3 found seven people in the back - five were adults and two were children. All received medical treatment.

Det Ch Insp Erin McCauley said: “I would like to thank all those involved in resolving this situation.

"Had it not been for their diligence and quick thinking, this could have had a very different outcome.”

Surrey Police said they would not be commenting further while the investigation is active.

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