Four illegal immigrants found in lorry in Bedfordshire tested for coronavirus

FOUR illegal immigrants found in a lorry have been tested for coronavirus as 12 new cases were confirmed today taking the UK total to 51.

The Somali migrants — who were among 16 smuggled into Britain via Italy — began to feel unwell after cops discovered them in the back of the vehicle on an industrial estate.

Four illegal immigrants smuggled into the UK via Italy are being tested for coronavirus (stock image)Credit: Duncan McGlynn

A source said test results were pending following their discovery in Biggleswade, Beds, and they had been “isolated” in a block of council-owned flats in Bedford.

The remaining 12 were being dealt with by immigration officials.

Kempston police station, where all 16 were held, was closed for a deep clean.

Another group of illegal immigrants were discovered inside a container at King George Dock in Hull.

Police would not confirm if any were to be tested.

‘WIDESPREAD TRANSMISSION’

Today’s new cases were scattered across London, Merseyside, Gtr. Manchester, Humberside. Hants, Northants, and Kent.

They had returned variously to the UK from Italy, Germany, Singapore, Japan and Iran.

Doctors expect an explosion of cases next month, with a probable peak in May.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK was likely to see “widespread transmission”.

Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty said the NHS may need to “postpone anything that is postponable”.

A source said 50,000 non-urgent operations could be axed over two months.

Meanwhile, England rugby prop Mako Vunipola, 29, went into self-isolation as a precaution today and will not now face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Some Chelsea fans wore masks in tonight’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool.