Just over a dozen children have been taken into care by Herts social services after they were involved in an immigration sting recently.

They were seen getting out of the back of a lorry on the M1 near Redbourn at around 8am on October 2, along with four other adult Syrians and individuals from Sudan and Kuwait.

One teenager originated from Egypt while 12 14-17 year olds are Syrian nationals, the Home Office confirmed.

Five of the adult immigrants have been released on immigration bail but one remains in immigration detention while their cases are considered.

A county council spokesperson said: “In a recent incident, a number of young people arrived in the Redbourn area by lorry and were taken to Welwyn Garden City police station, claiming to be minors.

“Assessment is ongoing but a large majority of the subjects have been found to be over 18.”

He went on: “If an individual is deemed to be under the age of 18 they are cared for by Hertfordshire County Council and assisted with an asylum claim.

“Those assessed to be adults are escorted to detention centres for their claims to be assessed by UKBA [UK Borders Agency].”