Men face deportation after mini bus driving 17 people stopped in Northfleet (From News Shopper)

Men face deportation after mini bus driving 17 people stopped in Northfleet

10:08am Wednesday 11th July 2012 in News By Alan Woods

Kent Police carried out the operation on July 9.

NINE Indian men face deportation after police stopped a mini bus containing 17 people in Northfleet.

Kent Police were carrying out routine road checks in Stonebridge Road on Monday (July 9) when they came across the mini bus in the evening.

The driver and all 16 passengers were arrested and taken to two nearby police stations, where nine were detained.

Following further investigation by Kent Police and the UK Border Agency, six men were identified as having over-stayed their time in the country.

Two men were revealed to be immigration absconders while one man was detained for being a worker in breach of visa conditions.

Of the remaining eight arrests, two men were cleared as British citizens and a further man was found to be a Portuguese national.

Three Indian men and one Indian woman are still awaiting a decision regarding their future while one man has been released on police bail.

The arrests came on a successful day for Kent Police as officers stopped 39 vehicles, arresting 19 people and identifying 11 offences.

CCTV images of people the police wish to speak to in connection to crimes were also circulated in the Northfleet and Gravesend area.

North Division’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Philip Painter said: “All criminal activity has an impact on our community and today we have reminded everyone that offenders will be dealt with.

“Be assured that we will tackle all levels of crime with all the resources we have available, that includes involving members of the public and asking for their help in identifying those we want to speak to in connection to offences.

“Now we will deal with those arrested, deal with breaches of licensing agreements, follow up on information received and remind everyone that we will continue to crackdown on anyone who breaks the law.”