EIGHT people have been arrested as part of a crackdown on organised immigration crime.

A series of warrants have been executed across the South of England following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) leading to the arrests.

The warrants, which were executed in the early hours of this morning, took place in Hastings, St Leonards and Eastbourne, as well as in Folkestone, Ashford and Plymouth.

At this stage eight people are currently in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Steel, head of investigations at SEROCU, said: “This investigation involves a highly organised criminal network organising and facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants into the UK.

"Today has seen the culmination of a lengthy operation headed by SEROCU with the support of a number of partner agencies.

“At this moment we have eight people held at police stations across the South of England in connection with this crime.

"The investigation of organised immigration crime is a priority for SEROCU and today’s activity is the culmination of many months of work.”