Driver arrested after 15 people found alive in back of lorry

FIFTEEN people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after being discovered in the back of a lorry in Wiltshire.

In addition, a man in his 50s from Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of assisting with illegal entry into the country.

Wiltshire Police said they closed the A350 at the Kington Langley crossroads, near Chippenham, after being called by a member of the public shortly before 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Officers attended the scene, and 15 people – all believed to be men aged between 16 and 30 – were discovered in the rear of the vehicle.

Ambulance service staff carried out medical checks on the group and all but one were deemed fit. All of them have now been taken into custody.

Wiltshire Police said the force was “not clear” about the nationalities of the 15 at this stage.

Supt Steve Cox said: “Members of the public would have noticed a large number of emergency services in the vicinity of the A350 last night while we dealt with this incident. The road was closed for approximately four hours while we carried out enquiries at the scene and recovery was arranged for the lorry, which was a hard-sided, large goods vehicle.

“We are working closely with partner agencies as we conduct further enquiries. I fully understand that recent tragic events elsewhere in the country will mean there will be increased interest and heightened concern regarding this incident.”

Earlier this week, eight people were arrested by Vietnamese police in connection with the 39 migrants found dead in a lorry in Essex last month.

They were held on Sunday on suspicion of organising people smuggling overseas.