A GROUP of illegal immigrants were found in the back of lorry at a service station in Stockbridge.

They were discovered at the Longstock Park Service Station, on the Leckford Estate, about 4.44pm on Thursday, 19 April.

An eyewitness told The Advertiser that the police helicopter and a number of officers attended the incident.

The illegal immigrants including two men from Iraq and another from Iran have been referred to the Home Office for their case to be looked at.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: “Immigration Enforcement was contacted by Hampshire Police on Thursday, 19 April after police officers attended an incident at the Longstock Park Service Station, Hampshire.

“Police officers encountered three male individuals suspected of entering the UK illegally. Two are from Iraq; one from Iran.

“All were referred to the Home Office and their cases will be progressed in line with the immigration rules.

“Where someone is found to have no right to remain in the UK, we will take action to remove them.”

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that it attended the scene following an incident involving a lorry.