Fourteen alleged illegal immigrants were taken into custody after running from the back of a lorry at Cobham services.

A Surrey Police spokesman said: "Police were called to Cobham Services on the M25 at around 6am this morning (Monday, March 23) following reports that a number of people had jumped out of the back of a lorry. All of the people were detained on suspicion of entering the country illegally and have been taken into custody.

A police spokesman said: "The matter will be passed over to UK Visas and Immigration."

There were suggestions this incident was linked to the delays experienced by commuters after trespassers were reported to be on the railway lines between Cobham and Effingham, a few hours after the initial report.

Three people were arrested at Cobham and Stoke d'Abernon station following reports of people on the tracks.

British Transport Police went to the station shortly after 8.30am and arrested three men on suspicion of illegal entry.

A total of 17 people have now been arrested.