POLICE have praised two Maidstone council workers whose diligence resulted in the arrest of an Iranian boy, believed to have entered the country illegally.

The Street Environment Officers were on foot patrol near traffic lights on Wednesday morning in Bishops Way, Maidstone.

An articulated lorry had stopped and it was reported that a noise was heard coming from the vehicle.

The driver of the lorry was advised to stop on Bishop’s Way. At this point a voice was heard coming from the vehicle. The council workers called police for assistance and ensured other road users were directed around the lorry.

On arrival, police searched the vehicle and discovered a 17-year-old boy from Iran.

The lorry driver, believed to be of Belgian origin, is not thought to have been aware of the boy and was allowed to continue his journey once the boy was taken from the scene.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of illegal entry. He was being held at Maidstone Police Station while further enquiries were carried out.