Six people have been arrested after an investigation into people smuggling across The Channel.

Four men from Folkestone and two from Chingford, north east London, have been arrested after 12 migrants were recovered from the back of a lorry in west London on September 7.

Searches and interviews have led to cash and vehicles, including a boat, being seized by the National Crime Agency.

A 51-year-old man arrested in Folkestone yesterday has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Three more arrested in the town, aged 52, 44 and 59 have been released under investigation, as have the two Chingford men aged 45 and 62.

NCA regional head of investigations Andrea Wilson said: "This is a significant moment in what has been a complex investigation, and we believe our action over the last few days will have significantly disrupted a crime network intent on smuggling migrants across the Channel illegally.

"We know people smugglers display a complete lack of regard for human life, and are happy to put the people they treat as nothing more than a commodity in dangerous situations in small boats or in the backs of lorries.

"This is why disrupting such groups remains an operational priority for the NCA and our law enforcement partners

"I would like to acknowledge and thank Kent Police, and Immigration Enforcement for their support to this investigation, which continues."

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone