Twelve men were arrested today after police and immigration officials swooped on a scrap metal yard.

The raid was launched as part of a long-running operation into a suspected stolen car ring.

Officers from Kent Police and the UK Border Agency stormed into A2 Car Breakers in Watling Street, Dartford, at around 11.30am.

They were supported by Kent Trading Standards, Dartford Borough Council and had a police helicopter overhead.

The strike followed months of work, which suggested that stolen cars were being taken to the site.

Many of the workers were also suspected of being illegally in the country.

Police also imposed a temporary road speed restriction on the coastbound carriageway of the A2 to ensure the safety of anyone trying to escape across the road.

Sgt Tim Ryton, from North Kent’s Tactical Team led the raid.

He said: "Our information was that stolen cars were being taken to this site and that those working there were in the country illegally.

"Despite this being a large site, with around 2,000 vehicles, we were quickly able to contain it and prevent those there from leaving.

"Working together with officers from the UK Border Agency we were able arrest 12 men on suspicion of being illegal immigrants.

"The men, who claimed to be of Nigerian origin, are now in the hands of the UK Border Agency.

"We have now started the process of a thorough search of the site to find any cars or equipment we suspect of being stolen."

Karyn Dunning, who heads up the UK Border Agency Kent Local Immigration Team, said: "This is an excellent example of joint working with Kent Police and other agencies.

"It is a criminal offence to be in the UK through deception or failing to abide by the conditions of stay.

"From today’s operation we have been able to arrest 12 men."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.