Workers at the Leicestershire factory of AB Produce got more than they bargained for when a lorry load of potatoes pulled up.
As the lorry stopped at the Measham facility, three heads poked out, covered in mud from the unwashed spuds. The three stowaways tried to make a break for it, but fleet-footed managing director Andrew Bridgen gave chase, followed by the lorry-bay workers.
“When the lorry pulled up we noticed a tear in the curtain covering the top, then we saw the heads poke out. We gave chase, stopped them, gave them some water, and called 999,” said Andrew.
“They were covered in mud and had spent over 12 hours in the lorry. It seems they climbed up the ladder at the back and cut their way inside. They said they were trying to get to London where they had friends.”
The lorry had come from France through the channel tunnel. The men were handed over to the immigration service by Leicestershire police.
Bridgen, who also happens to be a Tory prospective parliamentary candidate for North West Leicestershire, said the case supported the call for a border police force to stop illegal immigrants into the UK.
