POLICE have detained seven men in Yate suspected of illegally entering the country.

Officers were called to North Road at 9.15 on Saturday, July 5.

It followed a call from a lorry who believed he had unknowingly been carrying stowaways in his vehicle.

A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: “Seven men were detained in North Road, Yate at about 9.15am on Saturday, July 5 after a lorry driver called to report that he suspected illegal immigrants had hidden in his trailer while he was abroad.

“Officers met the lorry and found seven men inside.

“They were taken into custody and the matter is being dealt with by the immigration service.”