Millions of cigarettes have been seized after they were discovered wrapped among insulation.

Around 5.8 million cigarettes were discovered as an attempt to smuggle them into the UK was foiled by the Border Force at Dover's Eastern Docks.

The discovery was made after officers stopped a Polish lorry on a ferry from Calais.

The paperwork for the vehicle’s load declared it as being laden with pallets of insulation and “eco wood”.

On closer inspection officers found only six pallets of insulation and 24 pallets of cigarettes.

It was found on Monday.

Deputy director of Border Force South East and Europe, David Smith, said: "This is a significant seizure, had the smuggling attempt not been detected, it would have cost the Treasury approximately £1.7m in unpaid duty and VAT.

"By preventing this illicit shipment from reaching the UK, Border Force has starved those responsible of the proceeds of their criminality.

"The black market sale of cigarettes cheats honest traders and it is effectively stealing money from the public purse that could be used to pay for healthcare, education and other services."

Mr Smith added people who are tempted by cheap cigarettes and tobacco should think again.