Ten suspected illegal immigrants found inside refrigerated lorry near M6 in Wednesbury

The group, claiming to be from Iraq, Iran, Vietnam and Lebanon, were found inside the refrigerated truck last night.

Paramedics treated people, believed to be aged between 16 to 26, at the scene near Gallagher Retail Park, in Axletree Way, close to the M6.

They were called to the retail park close to junction nine at around 5.30pm last night.

People were treated for the effects of cold at the scene.

Hot drinks were provided to the group by a nearby coffee shop.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Jamie Arrowsmith said: "Nine of the patients were discharged at the scene, whilst one was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital after fainting."

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust's Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.

West Midlands Police called immigration enforcement officers in to assess the group.

All 10 were arrested for suspected immigration offences and remain in custody.

Six men will be referred to immigration enforcement officers to be interviewed.

Four claimed to be children and were placed in the care of social services to have their age assessed.

Two Spanish men, aged 50 and 60, were arrested by police on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration.

The case is being led by Immigration Enforcement criminal investigations.

Home Office spokeswoman Catherine Ellis said: "Where someone has no right to remain in the UK, we will take action to remove them.

"Immigration Enforcement is an operational directorate within the Home Office responsible for enforcing immigration law."