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Version 9 Version 10
Eight people found inside tanker Eight people found inside tanker
(about 2 hours later)
Eight suspected illegal immigrants who were found in a chemical tanker have been arrested with the vehicle's driver on suspicion of immigration offences.Eight suspected illegal immigrants who were found in a chemical tanker have been arrested with the vehicle's driver on suspicion of immigration offences.
The eight people, including two boys aged 12 and 16, were taken to hospital after breathing in gas created by a chemical in the truck.The eight people, including two boys aged 12 and 16, were taken to hospital after breathing in gas created by a chemical in the truck.
Fire crews were called to Abbey Wood, south-east London, after reports of a chemical incident.Fire crews were called to Abbey Wood, south-east London, after reports of a chemical incident.
Officers said the eight people were believed to be from Eritrea. Police said the stowaways came from Eritrea, Iraq and Iran.
They are now being held on suspicion of immigration offences.They are now being held on suspicion of immigration offences.
The Home Office's Border and Immigration Agency said it was investigating the incident.The Home Office's Border and Immigration Agency said it was investigating the incident.
'Breathing problems''Breathing problems'
A statement from Thames Water said the truck was bound for Crossness Sewage Treatment Works and contained a substance used for filtering water.A statement from Thames Water said the truck was bound for Crossness Sewage Treatment Works and contained a substance used for filtering water.
"The truck is filled with a substance known as "activated lignite coke" - resembling a fine powder similar to crushed BBQ briquettes."The truck is filled with a substance known as "activated lignite coke" - resembling a fine powder similar to crushed BBQ briquettes.
"This substance is made from carbon, is non-toxic and poses no public health risk.""This substance is made from carbon, is non-toxic and poses no public health risk."
Earlier the driver, 55, was questioned about the incident on Harrow Manorway in Abbey Wood, south London.Earlier the driver, 55, was questioned about the incident on Harrow Manorway in Abbey Wood, south London.
A 100m cordon was put in place on a section of the dual-carriageway to allow officers to check the tanker. The vehicle has now been removed from the scene.A 100m cordon was put in place on a section of the dual-carriageway to allow officers to check the tanker. The vehicle has now been removed from the scene.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were called by the driver after he stopped to check his load.A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were called by the driver after he stopped to check his load.
'Clamping down''Clamping down'
London Ambulance Service (LAS) sent a hazardous area response team, an air ambulance, four ambulances and a fast response car to the scene.London Ambulance Service (LAS) sent a hazardous area response team, an air ambulance, four ambulances and a fast response car to the scene.
An LAS spokesman said the eight people were suffering "minor breathing problems". An LAS spokesman said the eight people were suffering "minor breathing problems". Two of them were from Eritrea, including the 12-year-old, three were Iraqi Kurds and three were Iranian.
The tanker is owned by H Freund, a German company with offices in Frechen, west Germany, and Runcorn, Cheshire.The tanker is owned by H Freund, a German company with offices in Frechen, west Germany, and Runcorn, Cheshire.
The company said it was liaising with the authorities over the circumstances of the incident.The company said it was liaising with the authorities over the circumstances of the incident.
A Border and Immigration Agency spokeswoman said: "There will inevitably be some occasions when illegal entrants manage to penetrate our borders unlawfully, and some do so in lorries...A Border and Immigration Agency spokeswoman said: "There will inevitably be some occasions when illegal entrants manage to penetrate our borders unlawfully, and some do so in lorries...
"EU counterparts are clamping down on clandestine entry into the UK.""EU counterparts are clamping down on clandestine entry into the UK."