A company specialising in international removals believes suspected migrants cut a hole in the roof of one of its lorries to gain access before it left France for the UK. Video footage shared on social media appears to show four people exiting the top of an HGV in a lay-by in Maldon, Essex, just before 16:00 BST on Monday, before jumping to the ground and running away.
John Scott, director of Algarve Removals, stated the vehicle sustained "significant damage", including a hole in the roof, while the rear doors remained sealed. He believes the individuals gained access during an overnight stay at a secure truck stop near Rouen, two hours south of Calais.
Essex Police confirmed that a man in his 60s, initially arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration into the UK, has been released with no further action. Mr Scott said the company is cooperating with the police investigation and that the vehicle had undergone a security inspection by French and UK Border Force in Calais without issues.