Police investigating serious organised crime stormed properties and arrested suspects in a series of raids.

The officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) were called to an address in the Willesborough area of Ashford this morning.

Residents reported seeing a large presence in Hythe Road and Church Road while officers conducted the raid.

There were also raids in Folkestone, Hastings, St Leonards-on-sea, Eastbourne and in Plymouth as part of the operation.

In total police say eight people were held on suspicion of organised immigration crime offences.

Det Ch Insp Simon Steel heads the investigation for the unit. He said: “This investigation involves a highly organised criminal network organising and facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants into the UK.

“Today has seen the culmination of a lengthy operation headed by us with the support of a number of partner agencies

“At this moment we have eight people held at police stations in connection with this crime. The investigation of organised immigration crime is a priority for us.”