Questions Raised About Illegal Immigration Issue At Humber Ports

The MP for Cleethorpes says he has been reassured that everything is being done to prevent illegal immigrants entering the UK through Humber ports.

It's after 51 people were hidden inside a lorry which arrived at Killingholme docks on Sunday morning. A Hungarian driver has been arrested in connection with the incident and investigations are continuing.

Last night - Martin Vickers met a Home Office minister to discuss the problem.

He says an increasing number of migrants are trying to gain illegal entry here. He told Viking FM:

"We're seeing it in increased numbers because of all the various trouble spots that there are throughout the world. The Humber ports have not really been a target for this type of operation previously but I've been reassured that authorities are aware that that is perhaps the case at the moment and they'll take all the necessary action."

Mr Vickers say he's happy that resources are in place to deal with the issue here:

"I'm content that the authorities have sufficient resources in place to control this. This case in Killingholme is an example of an effective intelligence-led operation and it proves that the system is working but I am aware that it's not fool-proof and we do need to be constantly on our guard.

"I've been to Immingham and Killingholme and seen the operation and how it all works, Border Force officials they do a very good and effective job. It's not fool-proof but I am as satisfied as I can be."

A Home Office spokesperson told Viking FM:

"We can confirm Border Force officers discovered 51 people during a proactive search of a Hungarian-registered lorry which had arrived on a freight vessel at Killingholme on Sunday morning.

"Paramedics and police attended the scene and one woman, who is believed to be pregnant, has been taken to hospital.

"The driver, a Hungarian national, has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration.”