Seventeen arrested after people smuggling raids across the North East
Last updated 6th Feb 2018
The National Crime Agency's carrying out a huge operation to tackle a people smuggling network involving suspected Kurdish gangsters.
Around 350 officers have taken part in raids in the Northumbria, Cleveland, Sussex and Metropolitan Police force areas.
The gang is suspected of charging up to £10,000 per head to smuggle migrants across the Channel.
Addresses in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton, Newcastle, Hastings and London were raided this morning.
Breakdown of arrests by force area:
Cleveland - 16 arrests in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Wynyard areas
Northumbria - 1 arrest in Newcastle area
Metropolitan Police - 2 arrests in Stockwell and Balham areas
Sussex - 2 arrests in Hastings area