M40: 13 people detained in immigration swoop by ’15 police cars’

The incident occurred on the motorway near Bicester at just before 10am this morning (Thursday, December 11). As many as 15 police cars were spotted by eyewitnesses, who claimed that people had been detained from the lorry between junctions nine and 10 of the M40. Thames Valley Police has now issued a statement on the incident and confirmed that 13 people have been detained.

Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/[2] As a digital subscriber you will get:

Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website
Advert-light access
Reader rewards
Full access to our app

The force also added that the driver of the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

A TVP spokesperson said, "We received a report today (11/12) at 9.53am of a number of people in the back of a lorry travelling on the M40 between junctions 9 and 10. "The vehicle was stopped, and 13 people were detained. The driver was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

"The investigation is ongoing, and we are working with closely with our partners in the Home Office." Drivers on the affected strip of the M40 faced delays this morning as two of the three lanes were closed as a result. Emergency services were in attendance at the scene, with eyewitnesses adding that riot vans, an ambulance, and police cars could all be seen.

The Home Office did not comment on the specifics of the Oxfordshire case when approached for comment.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said: "The Home Secretary has announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants, and will make it easier to remove and deport them.

"Our Borders Act allows Government and law enforcement agencies to work with the DVLA to intercept threats when a suspicious vehicle enters the UK."

References

^ Firefighters rescue woman from severe car crash in Oxfordshire (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
^ https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/ (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)