SIX Winchester-bound illegal immigrants have been captured in France hiding in a lorry, the Border Force said today.

Its officers found the vehicle at the Port of Calais waiting to cross to the UK.

The Romanian-registered lorry heading to an address on Moorside Road, Winnall, was searched at around 5.20am on Wednesday September 5.

Detector dog Bouncer was used and the stowaways were found in a load of tyres.

They were handed over to the French border police and the vehicle was allowed to continue onto its destination.

David Holt, of Border Force, said today: “This incident shows why we base Border Force staff in France - to stop would-be illegal immigrants before they can reach the UK.

“Our strong presence in French ports like Calais helps protect the whole of the UK from people attempting to enter the country illegally.”

A leaflet, issued by the Border Force, in partnership with the Serious Organised crime Agency (SOCA), gives information and advice to lorry drivers transporting freight to and from the UK on how to prevent illegal immigration and avoid becoming victims of crime.