FIRE crews had an unusual late-night call-out which involved clearing boxes containing thousands of lettuces.

Firefighters from the Basingstoke, Whitchurch and Overton stations were called out to Newbury Road, Whitchurch, at around 3am this morning (Tuesday) to help police over fears of people were in the back of a lorry with hazardous material.

The shout involved the emergency services having to clear boxes containing thousands of lettuces to conduct the search.

Police have confirmed that six people were arrested in connection with immigration offences and are currently detained with the incident handed over to UK Border Force.

Fire crews were stood down at 4.30am.

The incident has prompted plenty of punning online from fire stations.