Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arranging the illegal movement of migrants across the English Channel into the UK.
A 33-year-old Iranian national and a 24-year-old British man were detained in Manchester on Wednesday evening.
The National Crime Agency confirmed tonight’s arrests and said an investigation into the incident was under way.
It comes after it was revealed Home Secretary Sajid Javid requested the Royal Navy help deal with the Channel migrant issue.
A Ministry of Defence source later said that HMS Mersey, an offshore patrol vessel, was now "available and ready" to be deployed.
This represents a significant escalation of Britain's response to the migrant crisis.
Additional reporting by PA.
