Seven suspected illegal immigrants believed to have escaped from a lorry on the Isle of Sheppey have been released on bail.

A police helicopter was scrambled to search for a group after reports people had jumped off a truck in Queenborough at about 10.15am on Friday.

The UK Border Agency said 11 people - three women and eight men - from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Seven have now been released on immigration bail, which means they have been freed and must report regularly to the Home Office while their cases are considered.

If it is found they have no right to remain in the UK, they will be removed.

"Where someone is found to have no legal right to remain in the UK we will take action to remove them..." - Home Office spokesman

One suspect remains in immigration detention and three have been assessed as minors and passed into the care of social services.

The vehicle was delivering to the Aesica pharmaceutical factory in North Road, Queenborough.

Kent Police said the driver, a 51-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal entry to the UK.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries until Friday.

Police were searching the town for around an hour-and-a-half and a helicopter was sweeping overhead looking for the suspects.

Officers detained some people and then informed the UK Border Agency, which is now dealing with the incident.

A Home Office spokesman said: "When suspected illegal immigrants found on lorries are arrested by police, we respond quickly.

"We work closely with police to tackle illegal immigration.

"Where someone is found to have no legal right to remain in the UK we will take action to remove them."

Aesica declined to comment.