HOME Secretary David Blunkett was in Dover this week to inaugurate the latest high-tech equipment designed to detect immigrants hiding in vehicles at the docks.

A new heart-beat sensor has been installed at the Eastern Docks, together with a gamma scanner which takes an X-ray of a lorry and can show anyone hiding inside.

Four immigrants were found an hour before Mr Blunkett’s arrival and he said he was "very impressed" with the new technology.

"Effective border controls are essential to make sure that only those who have a right to be here are allowed in," said Mr Blunkett.

"We are putting in place substantial investment in new technology which will help ensure the integrity of Britain’s borders.

"This demonstrates to organised criminals that we mean business and we can detect them."

Mr Blunkett said he hoped the new French government would now introduce the same technology at Calais and the other French ports, as well as the Channel Tunnel, so that immigrants were found before they left the continent.

He has invited the new French interior minister to visit London next week for talks. Topics under discussion will include the closure of the refugee centre at Sangatte.