Turkish lorry driver charged with trying to smuggle 17 people out of Britain

The migrants were found on pallets concealed in trailer

The migrants were found laid on the floor of the lorry's trailer on pallets. NCA

A Turkish lorry driver appeared in court charged with trying to smuggle 17 migrants out of the UK.

Hakan Zengin, 36, was detained after his vehicle was stopped on the M25 motorway near London.

Seventeen migrants were found in the lorry’s trailer, sitting on pallets that were laid across the floor.

He was charged with assisting illegal immigration, as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into people smuggling. Among others arrested were Moroccan, Algerian and Pakistani nationals.

Mr Zengin was accused of trying to smuggle the 17 people into mainland Europe.

He appeared before Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

"People smuggling networks move migrants in both directions across the border, threatening the security of both the UK and our European neighbours, but also putting lives at risk," said NCA branch operations manager Chris Hill.

"Working with our partners across UK law enforcement we are determined to do all we can to disrupt those networks. This operation is an example of that in action."

The operation was conducted with the support of the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police.