Five children were among 15 suspected illegal immigrants found in the back of a lorry.

The group was discovered in the HGV at Stop24 Folkestone services at junction 11 of the M20.

Police and Home Office officials were called just after 3pm yesterday.

The three families, thought to be from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, were taken to an immigration centre in Dover.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Home Office was contacted by Kent Police on the afternoon of Thursday 16 March after police officers attended an incident at Stop 24 Services, at junction 11 of the M20.

"Fifteen people, who presented themselves as being from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, were referred to the Home Office and their cases will now be progressed according to the immigration rules.

"Among the fifteen were three family groups, two groups of four and one group of two, including five children. They have all been released into temporary accommodation.

"Two other minors have been passed into the care of social services. Three men remain detained.

"Where someone has no right to remain in the UK, we will take action to remove them."

A police spokesman added: "Kent Police was called at 3.06pm on Thursday 16 March 2017 following the discovery of a number of suspected migrants at Stop 24 Folkestone Services on the M20.

"Officers attended and took the group to the Home Office immigration enforcement facility in Dover."