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Four Polish lorry drivers have been arrested after 68 people were discovered hidden in vehicles arriving on a ferry from Holland.

Two pregnant women and 15 children were among those found in four trucks’ locked trailer compartments at the port of Harwich, Essex, on Thursday night.

Seven, including the two expectant mums, were taken to hospital after complaining of stomach and chest pains and faintness following the six-and-a-half-hour voyage.

They were later discharged.

The migrants – 35 from Afghanistan, 22 from China, 10 from Vietnam and one from Russia – were being held by UK Border Agency officials at the port and may try to claim asylum.

British Red Cross workers were helping with blankets, food and hygiene packs.

(Image: PA)

The Home Office said the drivers were being held at separate police stations on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and will be questioned by the Home Office’s criminal investigations team.

The lorries were searched as they disembarked from the Stena Hollandica superferry after border staff became suspicious.

Any migrants claiming asylum can stay in the UK while their case is processed, but others face being sent back to Holland.

The ferry route between Harwich and the Hook of Holland is regularly used by illegal immigrants coming to the UK.

Many who are caught and returned make repeated attempts to use the route.

Two Albanian immigrants died last year after leaping from a ferry as it left Harwich to return them to Holland.