Three 'immigrants' found in Tyneside bound lorry
Three suspected illegal immigrants have been stopped from entering the UK after being found in a chemical lorry bound for Tyneside.
Specially trained dogs discovered the three Eritrean nationals during a routine inspection on 27 August.
They were taken off the lorry by UK Border Agency officers in Calais, France and handed over to French police.
The lorry, driven by a Slovak national, continued on to Seaton Delaval.
The driver could face a £6,000 fine if officers believe the vehicle was not properly secured to prevent illegal immigrants from hiding inside.
In 2009, 29,000 people attempted to cross the channel illegally.