A120 lorry trailer investigation sees group bailed by police

Several ambulance cars attended and six people were checked at the scene

People found in the back of a lorry trailer have been bailed by police after they claimed asylum, the Home Office said.

Essex Police said it was called to a layby on the A120 near Coggeshall at about 09:50 GMT on Friday.

A lorry driver, 55, was arrested on suspicion of facilitating unlawful entry into the UK and remained in custody on Sunday.

Six people were found in the lorry trailer he was allegedly driving.

The group found inside were later all arrested on suspicion of illegal entry and were referred to immigration officers for processing, a Home Office spokeswoman told the BBC.

Essex Police said its officers were called to the layby on the A120 near Coggeshall

The group were bailed pending further inquiries after they claimed asylum following arrest, she added.

Police officers said they were initially called about concerns for people in the trailer.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it sent one ambulance and three Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles to the scene.