The immigrant evaded the notice of the immigration officers

An illegal immigrant managed to smuggle himself into the UK by hanging on underneath a coach full of Border Agency officers returning from France.

Despite the driver carrying out checks, the man squeezed into a space next to the fuel tank, evaded capture and ran off when they arrived in Folkestone.

The Home Office is now conducting a full investigation.

It says the case is further evidence of extreme and dangerous measures some people will take to enter the UK.

Gave chase

Before setting off from Coquelles near Calais with coach of immigration officers, the driver - who is not an employee of the Border Agency - carried out the usual checks to make sure there were no stowaways.

But unbeknown to him - and the immigration officers onboard - a man had managed to get underneath the coach and squeeze himself into a small space next to the fuel tank.

He remained there during the journey through the Channel Tunnel.

The driver gave chase when he ran off in Folkestone, but failed to catch him.