A suspected gangmaster and more than a dozen workers were detained in a series of immigration raids in Kent.

Fifteen people were held on suspicion of being in the UK illegally.

A 42-year-old man, from Gravesend, was also detained on suspicion of being an unlicensed gangmaster. He has now been released on police bail until September 10.

Kent Police officers raided a property in Martin Court, Kemsley, an address in Gravesend and a farm in Maidstone Road, Swanley, at about 11.15am.

The operation was led by the Gangmaster Licensing Authority to tackle the exploitation of illegal workers.

The workers are expected to be handed over to the UK Border Agency.

HM Revenue and Customs officers were also involved in the raids, which saw the Salvation Army also provide support to the alleged victims of exploitation and illegal workers.