07/11/2019
Irishman Arrested As English Police Discover 15 People In Lorry
An Irish man has been arrested after 15 people were discovered in the back of the lorry he was driving in south-west England.
Wiltshire Police said a member of the public raised the alarm on Wednesday evening, 06 November. The lorry was located on the A350 near Chippenham.
Some 15 people, all believed to be males aged between 16 and 30, were located in the rear of the vehicle and arrested on suspicion of entering the UK illegally. Police said their nationalities are not yet known.
The driver of the vehicle, a man his 50s from Ireland, was arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal entry into the country. He remains in custody in Swindon.
Following initial assessment by paramedics, 14 of the unidentified people were taken to custody suites in Melksham and Swindon and one was taken to hospital. This individual was also later taken into custody.
Duty Superintendent Steve Cox said: "Members of the public would have noticed a large number of emergency services in the vicinity of the A350 last night while we dealt with this incident and the road was closed for approximately four hours while we carried out enquiries at the scene and recovery was arranged for the lorry, which was a hard-sided large goods vehicle.
"We are working closely with partner agencies as we conduct further enquiries - I fully understand that recent tragic events elsewhere in the country will mean there will be increased interest and heightened concern regarding this incident.
"I'd like to thank all emergency services who responded last night - as with all incidents, we didn't know the scale of what we would potentially be dealing with and all first responders showed true professionalism at the scene.
"I would also like to extend my thanks to the vigilant member of the public who initially reported this incident to us - it is thanks to them that this incident was resolved swiftly and safely with no serious casualties."
(JG/CM)
Wiltshire Police said a member of the public raised the alarm on Wednesday evening, 06 November. The lorry was located on the A350 near Chippenham.
Some 15 people, all believed to be males aged between 16 and 30, were located in the rear of the vehicle and arrested on suspicion of entering the UK illegally. Police said their nationalities are not yet known.
The driver of the vehicle, a man his 50s from Ireland, was arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal entry into the country. He remains in custody in Swindon.
Following initial assessment by paramedics, 14 of the unidentified people were taken to custody suites in Melksham and Swindon and one was taken to hospital. This individual was also later taken into custody.
Duty Superintendent Steve Cox said: "Members of the public would have noticed a large number of emergency services in the vicinity of the A350 last night while we dealt with this incident and the road was closed for approximately four hours while we carried out enquiries at the scene and recovery was arranged for the lorry, which was a hard-sided large goods vehicle.
"We are working closely with partner agencies as we conduct further enquiries - I fully understand that recent tragic events elsewhere in the country will mean there will be increased interest and heightened concern regarding this incident.
"I'd like to thank all emergency services who responded last night - as with all incidents, we didn't know the scale of what we would potentially be dealing with and all first responders showed true professionalism at the scene.
"I would also like to extend my thanks to the vigilant member of the public who initially reported this incident to us - it is thanks to them that this incident was resolved swiftly and safely with no serious casualties."
(JG/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2012
Man Injured In Car Crash
A man has been injured in a crash outside Athlone. The single vehicle incident happened at approximately 6.50am this morning at Ballynahown. The drivers injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Gardai in Athlone are appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 090 649-8-550.
Man Injured In Car Crash
A man has been injured in a crash outside Athlone. The single vehicle incident happened at approximately 6.50am this morning at Ballynahown. The drivers injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Gardai in Athlone are appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 090 649-8-550.
30 July 2008
Over 200 Involved In Traveller Family Brawl
Two feuding traveller families launched a riotous attack on each other leaving a number injured, and witnesses horrified. The McDonagh and Nevin family have been reportedly involved in a long running dispute over an unpaid bet on a fist fight.
Over 200 Involved In Traveller Family Brawl
Two feuding traveller families launched a riotous attack on each other leaving a number injured, and witnesses horrified. The McDonagh and Nevin family have been reportedly involved in a long running dispute over an unpaid bet on a fist fight.
10 December 2018
Two People And Gardaí Officer Injured In Roscommon Incident
Three people including a Gardaí officer were taken to hospital following an incident in the early hours of Sunday 09 December. An investigation has been launched into the alleged assault of the officer in the Rose Lawn area of Castlerea in County Roscommon at approximately 1am.
Two People And Gardaí Officer Injured In Roscommon Incident
Three people including a Gardaí officer were taken to hospital following an incident in the early hours of Sunday 09 December. An investigation has been launched into the alleged assault of the officer in the Rose Lawn area of Castlerea in County Roscommon at approximately 1am.
18 July 2014
Woman Dies After Being Hit By Lorry
Gardaí in Dublin have confirmed the death of woman who was hit by an articulated lorry at Heuston Station on Thursday evening. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been taken to the City Morgue. No details of the woman's identity have been released. An investigation into the circumstances of the woman's death is underway.
Woman Dies After Being Hit By Lorry
Gardaí in Dublin have confirmed the death of woman who was hit by an articulated lorry at Heuston Station on Thursday evening. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been taken to the City Morgue. No details of the woman's identity have been released. An investigation into the circumstances of the woman's death is underway.
21 September 2007
Woman Released In Longford Murder Investigation
The woman being held by Gardaí in connection with the death of Sharon Coughlan, has been released without charge. Gardaí in Co Longford arrested three people yesterday. Two men, aged 19 and 28, were still in custody this morning. It is understood their period of detention has been extended.
Woman Released In Longford Murder Investigation
The woman being held by Gardaí in connection with the death of Sharon Coughlan, has been released without charge. Gardaí in Co Longford arrested three people yesterday. Two men, aged 19 and 28, were still in custody this morning. It is understood their period of detention has been extended.