Immigrant suspects found in London

The eight were found in a van at London's Smithfield market

Eight suspected illegal immigrants were arrested at Smithfield market on Tuesday morning, the Immigration Service has confirmed.

Officials were called to the market in east London at about 0730BST when the stowaways were discovered in the back of a lorry which had travelled across the English Channel.

The group, believed to be Afghani, comprised a man and his wife and six children aged between 10 months and 14 years.

They were taken to Islington police station, and immigration officers say they will be moved to the service's Croydon offices for interview later in the day.

It is not yet known whether the family has claimed asylum in Britain.