Seven stowaways have been found inside a food truck bound for Croydon.

The men - six Iraqis and one Iranian - were prevented from entering the country after Border Force officers found them hiding inside on top of a load of food on June 14, at Dunkerque, while waiting to cross to the UK.

The Polish registered lorry was heading to an address just off Purley Way in Croydon when it was randomly selected for a search.

The stowaways were handed over to the French border police and the vehicle was allowed to continue onto its destination.

Carole Upshall, of Border Force, said: "This incident shows why we base Border Force staff in France - to stop would-be illegal immigrants before they can reach the UK.

"Our strong presence in French ports like Dunkerque helps protect the whole of the UK from people attempting to enter the country illegally."