January 9, 2019 4.51 pm This story is over 62 months old

Suspected illegal immigrants still at large

Police are still on the hunt for six people

Sightings were reported on the A17 Main Road in Fosdyke. Photo: Google Street View

Lincolnshire Police are still hunting for six people who were seen running from a lorry container on the A17 in Lincolnshire.

As previously reported, two people were arrested at the scene on the A17 Main Road in Fosdyke on suspicion of entering the UK illegally on Tuesday, January 8. Police are still searching for the other six people.

The two people arrested were minors.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police told reporters on Wednesday: “There are no further updates on this incident. We are encouraging the public to keep ringing in with any sightings.”

Here’s what we know so far:

  • Immigration Enforcement was contacted by Lincolnshire Police at about 4pm on January 8 after officers attended an incident on Washway Road in Spalding
  • Sightings were reported on the A17 Main Road in Fosdyke at 1.19pm on Tuesday, January 8, where two people were arrested
  • Two males, who presented themselves as Iraqi nationals, were taken into custody by police as they had entered the UK illegally according to the Home Office
  • The Home Office added that the two claimed to be minors and were passed into the care of social services
  • All of their cases will be dealt with according to immigration rules
  • Police are still tracking six others, who were seen heading down the A17 towards the Holbeach area. Police said they could be in the Moulton Seas End area or neighbouring villages or fields.
  • Local officers, officers from EMOPSS including a dog handler, and a National Police Air Service helicopter have been carrying out a search, but there is no update yet as to if anybody has been found
  • The individuals were reportedly wearing dark clothing and may be in need of medical treatment according to police

Recent Mablethorpe case

The Home Office told reporters that Immigration Enforcement was contacted by Lincolnshire Police after officers arrested four men in Mablethorpe on Tuesday, December 4.

The refugees claimed they arrived on a boat.

The Home Office said all four men presented themselves as Iranian nationals and were detained pending interview by immigration officers. Their cases are being dealt with according to immigration rules.