A man is set to appear in court next month in a people smuggling investigation.

The case focuses on two specific migrant incidents off Deal and Folkestone.

Sarbast Mohammad Hama, 31, of no fixed UK address, was charged with conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

He appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court last Wednesday and was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on May 15.

The case stems from an investigation of suspected people smuggling using small boats

led by Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI) officers.

The charge covers the period from last Christmas Eve to March 28 this year.

It includes two specific incidents, one on Christmas Day where 13 people were intercepted by Border Force officials off the coast of Deal.

The other was on March 27 when 14 people, including two children, were stopped by Border Force officers in a vessel near Folkestone.

Dave Fairclough, deputy director at CFI, said:“These charges relate to extremely serious matters.

"The use of small boats to cross the Channel is incredibly dangerous and puts lives at risk.

“We are working on an ongoing basis with law enforcement partners at home and abroad to target the organised crime gangs behind these dangerous attempts."

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.