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Police have issued a statement following the discovery of two stowaways hiding in a school coach transporting children.

The individuals, described by police as ‘possibly illegal immigrants’, were found concealed in the luggage hold of the coach, which was transporting Year 9 and 10 pupils back from a three-day school trip to Boulogne University, located approximately 20 miles south of Calais.

The alarming incident unfolded as the children were disembarking from the coach, prompting the opening of the hold doors, where the two men, believed to be in their early 20s, were discovered.

Hampshire police were promptly alerted to the situation just before 5:15 pm on Saturday, February 10, at Hounsdown School in Totton. While officers responded to the call, no arrests were made.

One concerned parent, who opted to remain anonymous, described the ordeal as “horrendous,” noting the distress caused to the children. She recounted how her son’s belongings were marred by one of the individuals, with his luggage soaked in urine and items crushed beneath the stowaway.

In a formal statement, Hampshire police reiterated the details of the incident: “We were called just before 05:15 pm on Saturday, February 10, to reports that two people, who were possibly illegal immigrants, had been found at Hounsdown School in Totton. Officers have attended. No arrests have been made.”