The "biggest ever" international operation to smash smuggling gangs ferrying desperate people across the Channel in dinghies has seen several arrests in the capital.

The National Crime Agency detained six men and a woman in the Docklands and Catford areas today.

Meanwhile dozens of raids are happening in France, the Netherlands and Germany as part of a joint operation with Europol and Eurojust.

The NCA arrested a 26-year-old man, in Rushey Green, Catford, and a 22-year-old man, in St Davids Square, on the Isle of Dogs, on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

A 20-year-old woman and 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

They all remain in custody.

Two other men were arrested for immigration offences and will now be dealt with by the immigration authorities.

The NCA said: “Officers have today joined what is believed to be the biggest ever international operation targeting criminal networks suspected of using small boats to smuggle thousands of people into the UK.”