This is the extraordinary moment two migrants emerged from inside mattresses during their bid to reach Europe from Africa.

The sub-Saharan men were arrested after border guards found them at a check-point between Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the north African coast, and Morocco.

It is understood to be the first time the method has been used to smuggle migrants and there are fears criminal gangs could increasingly use the tactic, according to Spanish media.

Footage captures the extraordinary moment two migrants emerged from inside mattresses during their bid to reach Europe from Africa

The sub-Saharan men were arrested after border guards found them at a check-point between Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the north African coast, and Morocco

Men in Guardia Civil uniforms can be seen using a knife to cut through plastic wrapping and fabric after lifting the mattresses from the roof of a van

Men in Guardia Civil uniforms can be seen using a knife to cut through plastic wrapping and fabric after lifting the mattresses from the roof of a van.

Two men then emerge from inside as guards watch on in the footage, which was shared on the Twitter page of Spanish senator Jon Inarritu.

The Basque senator: 'As long as there are no safe routes to request asylum, situations like this will continue to occur in the southern border of Europe.'

Despite having been concealed in mattresses, the men appeared to be in good health and did not need medical help.

The driver of the vehicle used to transport them is said to have fled into Morocco before he could be detained

Despite having been concealed in mattresses, the men appeared to be in good health and did not need medical help

The driver of the vehicle used to transport them is said to have fled into Morocco before he could be detained.

Spain has become the main entry point for migrants and asylum-seekers looking for a better life in Europe as other EU countries tighten up controls at their borders. A smuggling route through Libya to Italy has also been complicated by conflict and violence there.

Melilla, together with a second Spanish enclave, Ceuta, have the European Union's only land borders with Africa.