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M6 delays after people found in lorry | M6 delays after people found in lorry |
(35 minutes later) | |
A lorry driver is being questioned 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. It fully reopened at about 10pm. | |
'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. | 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 were travelling to the north-west to witness their team's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Burton were thrashed 9-0 in the game, one of the biggest 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: |