Europe-wide raids to tackle people smuggling

Authorities believe they have disrupted a major people-smuggling network after carrying out dozens of co-ordinated raids in England, France and Belgium.

UK Border Agency officers raided 35 addresses in England on Wednesday, while about 40 raids were carried out in France and Belgium.

More than 150 UKBA officers joined the crackdown on gangs allegedly trafficking illegal immigrants in the back of lorries.

It is understood many of the immigrants are from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.