Detention lorry trialled at port

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A detention lorry that will hold suspected illegal immigrants is being trialled at a Dorset ferry port.

Up to 10 people can be held in the privately-owned truck for a maximum of 12 hours while their details are checked out.

The purpose-built lorry was unveiled at Poole, Dorset, on Thursday and will be used at ports along the south coast.

The Border and Immigration Agency said similar trucks could be used around the UK if the trial was a success.

It sends a very clear message to would-be illegal immigrants Liam Byrne MPImmigration minister

The five-month trial of the mobile unit will test whether it can speed up the processing of offenders so they can be deported more quickly.

The lorry is operated by GEO Group Inc, a multinational company that specialises in correctional and detention management.

Immigration minister Liam Byrne said: "Tougher checks at Britain's borders mean on the spot lock-ops are now essential.

"It sends a very clear message to would-be illegal immigrants that when we catch you we'll instantly detain you and then we will send you home."

An average of 20 illegal immigrants are caught at Poole trying to reach the UK every month although the figure for July was 41.

Many of them cross the Channel by hiding on freight trucks.

Lorry driver Jason Cogdale said he found one person clinging to his truck.

"I've seen them jump out from underneath trailers here and they just jump into the water to try to get away," he said.

"They just seem to be desperate to get in here and desperate to do anything."