The interception of a lorry full of suspected migrants saw the M40 motorway in Oxfordshire descend into chaos after more than a dozen individuals were discovered concealed in the rear of the vehicle.
Police received a report just before 10am regarding people inside a lorry moving between junctions 9 and 10, close to Bicester.
Following the stop, all 13 apparent stowaways were taken into custody. The vehicle's driver was also detained on suspicion of immigration offences.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman stated: "The vehicle was stopped, and 13 people were detained. The driver was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences."
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The force confirmed its investigation remains active.
Witnesses at the scene described a substantial police presence along the northbound carriageway.
Onlookers counted as many as 15 police vehicles responding to the incident, per the Oxford Mail.
Riot vans and an ambulance were also observed attending alongside the marked cars.
The discovery of a Lorry full of migrants sparked motorway chaos in Oxfordshire
|Video captured by passing motorists showed a group of men seated on a crash barrier at the roadside while officers conducted searches of the HGV.
One driver was heard saying: "There must be five or six of them, straight out the back of the lorry. There's a lot."
The lane closures triggered considerable delays for motorists using the major route connecting London and Birmingham.
National Highways issued warnings to drivers as congestion developed, advising them to factor in additional journey time.
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The M40 serves as a vital link between Oxford, Birmingham and London
|Two of the three northbound lanes remained shut between Junction 9 at Bicester and Junction 10 at Baynards Green throughout the morning.
According to the AA, traffic backed up for approximately five miles as a result of the police operation.
The queues persisted from around 10am until 2pm, when the road was eventually cleared and normal traffic flow resumed on the carriageway.
The M40 serves as a key arterial route linking the capital with Oxford and Birmingham.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they are collaborating closely with Home Office officials as enquiries continue.
A Home Office spokesman addressed the incident, stating: "The Home Secretary has announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times, which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants, and will make it easier to remove and deport them."
The spokesman added the Borders Act enables government agencies and law enforcement to work alongside the DVLA to intercept potential threats when suspicious vehicles enter the country.
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