A lorry carrying men, women and children reportedly from Iraq has been found in Harold Hill this afternoon.

A group of 11 people are said to have been found at about 11.30am in Ashton Road.

The eight adults have been arrested by police on suspicion of illegal entry into the UK and the three children were taken into police protection.

Workers at the business have spoken about their “disbelief” after the driver pulled up outside to ask for directions.

One worker told the Recorder how the people inside were “calm” and simply said “hello, we are from Iraq” when the back door was opened.

The lorry is thought to have travelled from Belgium.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed Havering Police were called after reports of banging came from the back of a lorry.

Dan Attroll, who works on Ashton Road, was the first to see the lorry after it parked up.

He said: “I went to speak to the driver about where he had parked and the next thing I heard was bang, bang, bang.

“We then heard people screaming and shouting inside which was when I rang the police.

“The driver seemed genuinely gobsmacked that anyone was in his truck.”

Did you see anything? Contact Ryan Tute on 020 8477 3810.