Five Suspected Refugees Found Sick and Shivering in M25 Lorry
Emergency crews rushed to the Poyle Interchange on the M25 Northbound at around 8.10pm on Tuesday after discovering five suspected refugees suffering from hypothermia. The group was found crammed into the back of a 44-tonne refrigerated lorry near the Harmondsworth immigration removal centre.
Firefighters Use Thermal Imaging to Hunt for More Stowaways
Thames Valley Police traffic officers quickly called in firefighters from Heathrow. They provided oxygen and used a specialist thermal imaging camera to scan the lorry for any other hidden occupants.
Rescued Refugees Wrapped in Space Blankets and Taken to Hospital
The five were removed from the freezing truck, wrapped in silver space blankets, and rushed to hospital for checks. All have now been handed over to the UK Border Force.
Driver Co-operating but Arrest Status Unknown
The lorry driver is reportedly assisting police with enquiries. It remains unclear if he has been arrested. Thames Valley Police declined to comment further.