A total of 13 people have been found in a container at a busy port.

The people were discovered at Purfleet Docks this morning.

Police and paramedics attended the scene around 8.40am this morning.

The 13 people were checked over by paramedics and were left in the care of the UK Border Force.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called at about 8.40am on Friday 14 February with reports people had been found in a container at Purfleet docks.

"Thirteen people were found inside and were checked over by paramedics.

"They are in the care of UK Border Force."

The Home Office has been contacted for further information.