A lorry driver is due in court after being charged with attempting to smuggle asylum seekers into the UK.

Robert Miroslaw Wojcik, 48, from Warsaw in Poland, was detained by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers as he arrived at the Port of Dover yesterday.

The arrest came as part of an investigation by the NCA into organised crime groups suspected of people smuggling in HGVs and boats.

The operation is supported by Border Force.

Wojcik is accused of being involved in an attempt to bring asylum seekers to the UK in a truck in November last year.

After being questioned by NCA officers, Wojcik was charged with facilitating illegal immigration.

He is due to appear at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court later today.

NCA branch commander Mark Howes said: “Tackling people smuggling is a key priority for the NCA.

“This investigation is one of around 90 that we have ongoing into the criminal networks involved.

"People smuggling gangs put people’s lives at risk in pursuit of profit, and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle them.”