Dutch border police step up port checks for stowaways heading to Britain

Dutch border police are stepping up efforts to stop illegal immigrants trying to make their way to Britain, the NRC reports.

The government has backed bringing in extra checks in hotspots such as border areas, ports, train stations and car parks, the justice ministry said.

For example, there will be more checks on lorries to ensure stowaways have not hidden between the cargo and do not try to get into lorries at freight parks.

The Dutch authorities will also work closely with the British authorities, the ministry said.

Earlier this month, British police found 68 people hidden in containers which had reached England from the Dutch port of Hoek van Holland.

Since the beginning of this year, 220 people have been caught trying to make the crossing via the Dutch port.