This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-46815584
The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| M6 delays after people found in lorry | M6 delays after people found in lorry |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A lorry driver is being questioned after after 27 suspected migrants were found in the back of a vehicle stopped by police on the M6. | |
| Part of the motorway was closed from about 16:00 GMT - causing lengthy tailbacks - as police searched vehicles near Keele services. | |
| Staffordshire Police said a man had been arrested at the scene. | |
| It is understood those on board were medically assessed and transferred to immigration officials for interview. | |
| The motorway was initially closed in both directions between junctions 15 and 16 amid reports of large-scale police activity. | |
| 'People escaped' | 'People escaped' |
| Driver Danny Ellis said he saw 30 to 40 police cars pass him on the northbound side of the motorway, and said three or four lorries were stopped and searched. | Driver Danny Ellis said he saw 30 to 40 police cars pass him on the northbound side of the motorway, and said three or four lorries were stopped and searched. |
| "We were told for safety to get back in our cars and lock them," he said. | "We were told for safety to get back in our cars and lock them," he said. |
| "We were told a lot of people escaped and ran from the back of these lorries." | "We were told a lot of people escaped and ran from the back of these lorries." |
| The 30-year-old telecoms worker said he could see men on the ground being treated by paramedics. | The 30-year-old telecoms worker said he could see men on the ground being treated by paramedics. |
| Another eyewitness told BBC Radio Stoke he saw police stopping lorries on the motorway. | Another eyewitness told BBC Radio Stoke he saw police stopping lorries on the motorway. |
| "They pulled a white trailer up on the side and they were shouting 'are they in here?'", he said. | "They pulled a white trailer up on the side and they were shouting 'are they in here?'", he said. |
| "The driver opened the vehicle and I just watched 15 of them come out." | "The driver opened the vehicle and I just watched 15 of them come out." |
| "I did see a few run up the motorway and the police gave chase. Both of those people were brought back." | "I did see a few run up the motorway and the police gave chase. Both of those people were brought back." |
| Both carriageways have since re-opened, Highways England said. | |
| Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service are also at the scene, police added. | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service are also at the scene, police added. |
| Motorists have faced huge tailbacks on the road, including hundreds of Burton Albion supporters. | Motorists have faced huge tailbacks on the road, including hundreds of Burton Albion supporters. |
| They face missing the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City - one of the biggest games in the club's history. | They face missing the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City - one of the biggest games in the club's history. |
| Highways England advised people to avoid the area and follow diversions where possible. | Highways England advised people to avoid the area and follow diversions where possible. |
| Have you been affected by the disruption? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | Have you been affected by the disruption? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk |
| Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
| Or use the form below: | Or use the form below: |