Stashes of cash were found hidden away in a secret compartment of a van at the Channel Tunnel.

Cops discovered around £500,000 stuffed away inside the van at the port.

Two men from Liverpool have been arrested and an investigation into suspected money laundering has now been launched by police.

Officers seized wads of money - including Euros and pounds sterling - following a search of the Mercedes Sprinter van on Friday afternoon at the Folkestone terminal.

The two men, aged 29 and 39, have been released from custody pending further inquiries.

Det Insp Annie Clayton, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This is a significant seizure of cash that demonstrates our determination and commitment to ensure crime does not pay.

"We are actively investigating the circumstances of this discovery while continuing to disrupt the ability of organised groups to profit from crime."

Police will be looking into where the van was heading as part of their investigation.