Illegal Iraqis found in van

9:59am Friday 23rd April 2004

THREE illegal immigrants were found hiding in the back of a lorry as it made a delivery at a Heston industrial estate on Tuesday.

The lorry, believed to have travelled over from Spain, was parked up on the Phoenix Park industrial estate, off Cranford Lane, at 12.55pm when the discovery was made.

It is not yet known whether or not the driver was aware of the men's presence before he arrived at the estate.

The men, who had smuggled themselves across from Iraq, were taken to Hounslow police station and a representative of the Home Office was called to interview them.

Following their interview, the men, ranging in age from 19 to 24, were released to the immigration service building at Eton house, Staines Road. They have claimed asylum and will remain in the UK pending a decision from the Home Office.