Second arrest in people smuggling investigation

The man was arrested on suspicion of the facilitation of illegal immigration, the NCA says

A second man has been arrested in an investigation into people smuggling using HGVs from the UK to France.

The 41-year-old Iraqi national was arrested in Ashford on Tuesday on suspicion of the facilitation of illegal immigration.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said he was suspected of involvement in the smuggling of migrants using lorries, following an event in Ashford on 10 August "where a number of migrants were seen near numerous lorries".

He was questioned by NCA officers before being released on bail.

This follows the arrest of a 42-year-old man in the town on 28 August.

NCA branch commander Sara-Jayne Moore said: "This is the second arrest in our investigation into a large-scale criminal network responsible for smuggling migrants from the UK to France, and in the other direction.

"The NCA has 96 ongoing investigations into those involved in organised immigration crime and this sits as a top priority for us."