Major incident at ferry port after people found in the back of a freezer lorry
A group of migrants have been found in the back of a lorry at Newhaven ferry port in East Sussex.
The total number of people discovered has not yet been confirmed, although a large number of police, Border Force officials and paramedics are currently at the scene.
Eyewitnesses told the Argus the migrants had been hiding in the back of a refrigerated truck which crossed the Channel from Dieppe in France earlier this morning.
It was initially feared some of the passengers had perished during the journey after body bags were spotted at the scene. However, the Home Office later confirmed all thise who made the trip were still alive.
Sussex police said one man has been since been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry to the UK, and a second man has been arrested for illegally entering the UK.
Responding to media reports about the incident, Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, whose constituency includes Newhaven, said in a post on X: ‘Very concerned about these reports.
‘From my office in Newhaven we can see lots of activity opposite at the port and thanks to the emergency services responding.’
South East Coast Ambulance said it was called at 9.40am, with a statement adding: ‘A range of ambulance resources have attended, including our HART team, alongside other emergency service partners.’
A statement from Sussex Police said: ‘We are currently supporting Border Force, who are the leading agency, and other emergency services after a boat carrying a number of people arrived on Newhaven beach.
‘A man has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry to the UK, and a second man has been arrested for illegally entering the UK.
‘The ambulance service has taken six further people to hospital for treatment.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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