FIFTEEN suspected illegal immigrants have been arrested by police.

Officers were travelling through the Hilltop Road area of Grays on a routine patrol when they saw the men hanging around looking suspicious.

Police approached them and arrested them on suspicion of entering the country illegally.

It is thought the men are from various countries and all are believed to be aged in their early twentiess.

Tabitha Wilson, of Essex Police, said: "Officers are currently in the process of taking details from all of the men and these will be passed to immigration officials."

The men were arrested at about 10.45am yesterday morning.

All 15 men remain in custody at police stations across the county where they are currently being questioned.