A PILOT was arrested at Headcorn airfield for suspected people smuggling on Friday.

Eight suspected Turkish illegal immigrants and four other men were also arrested, near Lamberhurst, by the Swanley branch of the National Crime Squad, in a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police.

The aircraft, a Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee six-seater, has been seized pending further inquiries.

The pilot, who lives in Camberley, is suspected of using his aircraft to fly in Turkish illegal immigrants from Belgium and France to an airstrip at Lamberhurst.

Det Ch Insp Alex Wood, of the National Crime Squad, said: “This is an ongoing investigation and further arrests are anticipated.”