Three men arrested after suspected migrants found at Samphire Hoe
The National Crime Agency says the suspects, all UK nationals, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration.
Thursday 4 April 2019 19:31, UK
Three men have been arrested following the discovery of a group of suspected migrants on a Kent beach.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said eight men were found at Samphire Hoe, near Dover, at around 8am on Thursday.
Home Office officials said the group, who said they were Iranian, were handed over to immigration officers.
A NCA statement said: "National Crime Agency officers are leading an investigation following the discovery of eight suspected illegal migrants on a beach at Samphire Hoe, near Dover, at around 8am this morning (Thursday 4 April).
"The migrants are being dealt with by the immigration authorities.
"A short time afterwards a boat was recovered in the Folkestone area and three men, all UK nationals, were arrested by the NCA and Border Force on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration.
"They remain in custody and will be interviewed by NCA investigators.
"NCA officers are working in partnership with Kent Police, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force on this investigation."
Kent Police said: "At approximately 8am Border Force were contacted by Kent Police about an incident near Dover
"Eight men who presented themselves as Iranian were detained on the beach at Samphire Hoe.
"All eight have been medically assessed and transferred to immigration officials for interview."