The National Crime Agency has arrested two men on suspicion of arranging the “illegal movement of migrants” across the English Channel.
The NCA said the 33-year-old Iranian and 24-year-old Briton were held in Manchester yesterday.
The UK government has redeployed patrol vessels from the Mediterranean amid concerns at a rise in crossings. Meanwhile, it is reported that Home Secretary Sajid Javid has requested help from the Royal Navy.
The NCA says investigations are ongoing, therefore they are unable to comment further on the case.