Nine people were arrested on immigration offences yesterday at Dover's Eastern Docks.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, saw them disembark a ferry that had just berthed at Dover.

The Home Office confirmed the arrests this morning and confirmed they were later passed to Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers for further questioning.

Two more men were also arrested in relation to the incident and will be interviewed by Home Office investigators.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are continuing to strengthen the security of our border to stop those who have no right to enter the UK. Where someone is found to have no legal right to remain in the UK we will take action to remove them.

"If people have a genuine need of protection they should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach. If they are just seeking to evade immigration control they need to know that they are risking their lives and that they will get caught.

"The new Immigration Act makes it harder for people to live in the UK illegally. It makes it harder for illegal immigrants to abuse our benefits and public services, and makes it easier for us to remove them by reducing the number of appeals.”

Did you see anything? If so, call the newsroom on: 01304 365526.