THE immigration authorities are questioning 13 suspected illegal immigrants detained after they were spotted walking along the M20.

Kent Police officers were called to junction 11 of the M20 near Ashford after several motorists reported seeing people get out of the rear a lorry and walk along the hard shoulder.

The 13 were seen walking towards Ashford along the London-bound carriageway. A Kent Police spokeswoman said that a search of the area was carried out by officers from the county helped by the Essex Police helicopter.

The spokeswoman said the 13 people were handed over to immigration authorities and were being held on suspicion of entering the UK illegally.