Ipswich Ransomes immigration arrests: Tom Hunt reaction

Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to an incident at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich at about 10.40am on Thursday. 

Suffolk police later confirmed 13 people had been found in the back of a lorry at the site and were believed to have entered the country illegally.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: "Emergency services were called to the scene after a number of people were found in the back of a lorry, suspected to have entered the UK illegally.

Police at the scene of the incident in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"The 13 people were found by police within an HGV lorry on the Ransomes Industrial Estate, Ipswich at around 10.40am today Thursday 25 May.

"Officers remain at the scene at this time and are liaising with Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

"So far three arrests have been made, including the male driver of the vehicle. All have been arrested on suspicion of Immigration Act offences and have been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning."

Police cordon in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Tom Hunt, MP for Ipswich, expressed his concern after hearing news of the incident, which happened in the south-east of Ipswich.

He said: "I was very concerned when this was brought to my attention earlier today. There are still a number of facts that need to be established but clearly this is an unacceptable and illegal state of affairs."

Mr Hunt also said the incident was "extremely dangerous" for those concerned. 

An eyewitness said there was a huge emergency service presence at the retail park, with about 10 police cars spotted in the area. 

Police officer inside the cordon in Ipswich (Image: Newsquest)

A police cordon was put in place for a short while in the area but it was lifted a short while later.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.