Image copyright PA

Extradition proceedings have begun against a Ukrainian man suspected of murder and allegedly helping a criminal operation smuggle people to the UK.

Marian Shkirko, 33, from Ukraine, was arrested in Battersea in south-west London on Friday in a joint operation with Belgian police.

He is suspected of using complicit drivers and false documentation.

He was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court until 5 February.

Belgian police also want to question him over the alleged murder of a Lithuanian lorry driver in Belgium last year.

Mr Shkirko was arrested by National Crime Agency officers using European warrants, in an operation co-ordinated by the UK's Organised Immigration Crime Taskforce.