Migrant boy, 15, found walking along M6 near Birmingham Published duration 19 December 2019

image copyright Getty Images image caption The boy was found wandering along the M6 on Wednesday night

A 15-year-old boy was found on the M6 after police responded to reports of a pedestrian on the motorway.

The Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) said they found the child, who had allegedly illegally entered the UK, on Wednesday night.

West Midlands Police said it was understood that the boy was from Iraq.

He was found walking on the central reservation towards junction 7 for Great Barr at about 22:00 GMT.

The teenager was picked up by a patrol car and taken into emergency care for the night.

The Home Office said Immigration Enforcement was contacted by West Midlands Police and the boy was taken into the care of social services.

His case will be dealt with according to the immigration rules, it added.

In a tweet, CMPG said: "He was split up from his parents a few days ago, and doesn't know which country they're in.

"It's impossible to imagine how scared someone would be, not knowing where they are, not knowing where their parents are, unable to speak the language."

Liz Clegg, from the Meena Centre in Birmingham which supports refugee women and children, said while she was not involved in this case, there was a "huge challenge" in reuniting children separated from their parents.

She said she expected the authorities and charities would be working to trace the family and hoped "the system in place would kick in quickly".