Four people have been charged as part of a National Crime Agency into a crime group alleged to be involved in smuggling people to the UK using small boats.

Pistiwan Jameel, aged 53 and of Old Oscott Lane in Birmingham, and Clare Meekings, aged 52 of the same address, were both arrested by NCA officers in Birmingham on Monday and have now been charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

Artan Halilaj, aged 39 and of Crosslands Avenue in Southall, was arrested in Hounslow on Monday and has been charged with the same offence.

Fiorentino Halilaj, aged 25 and of no fixed abode, was produced from an immigration detention centre near Heathrow on Tuesday and interviewed by NCA officers. He has also now been charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

All four are expected to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court today.

25 October