THE head of Portland harbour has raised concerns after seven unidentified individuals were detained by border force and police.

Bill Reeves, CEO of Portland Port UK, expects more stowaways in the future after seven men - believed to be Albanian nationals - were found on a vessel, which was safely brought into Portland Port.

On Wednesday afternoon police and armed response officers worked alongside Border Force after a vessel named Chise Bulker, which arrived from the port of Rouen in France on Tuesday, was carrying the 'unidentified individuals.

Dorset Echo:

Mr Reeves said: "This is not the first time we have helped police in relation to an incident like this, and I'm sure it will not be the last.

"I have to make sure the port is in a position to help police whenever a situation arises, which we're very happy to do."

Following the arrests a Dorset Police spokesman told the Echo that there was 'no indication' the men found on board attempted to take control of the ship at any stage.

It was also confirmed by police that no one was injured.

Dorset Echo:

A police spokeswoman said: "Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the wider circumstances of how the individuals came to be on board the boat.

"The seven individuals found on board have now been handed over to the care of Immigration Enforcement and will face no further police action."

Currently, the men are being held by border and immigration officers under the Immigration Act 1971 in an immigration removal centre.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Border Force and Immigration Enforcement worked closely with Dorset Police after seven stowaways, believed to be Albanian men, were found on a vessel off the coast of Portland.

"They have now been detained by the Home Office under immigration powers while further investigations continue."

Police were first alerted to the situation during the early hours of Tuesday morning after the ambulance service attended the ship amid reports that someone onboard was in need of medical assistance.

No one onboard the Chise Bulker was found to be in need of medical help - however paramedics contacted police at around 5.30am, as seven 'unidentified individuals' were discovered onboard.

The Chise Bulker is owned by Japanese firm Orix Corp.