Six “illegal immigrants” were seen cutting through the roof of a lorry before fleeing through the streets of Basildon.

The group of men were seen climbing out of the large lorry, parked near the New Holland Tractor Plant, by witnesses yesterday morning.

The suspected illegal immigrants sprinted out of Cranes Farm Road before heading towards Festival Leisure Park.

Eyewitnesses watched in shock as the men emerged from the roof of the lorry before climbing down in between the trailer and cabin.

A worker on Cranes Farm Road, where the lorry was parked, told the Echo he watched the group climb out of the lorry before disappearing into the distance.

The 35-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The lorry was left in place for the majority of the day. They cut a hole in the roof of the trailer and used the racking inside to climb up and out.

“They’re could have been more inside, the lorry hadn’t been unloaded at that point.”

Kerry Smith, deputy leader of Basildon Council, called on the Government to “tighten the UK’s borders” to prevent situations similar happening again. He said: “I assume they didn’t come on a dingy and came through the Channel Tunnel.

“I’m glad they are alive and safe.

“The Border Force needs to get a grip.

“It raises a lot of questions about what happens next. What part of the economy will they be working in?

“If they are part of the EU, they can still work here.

“The Government needs to get back control of it’s borders.”

Essex Police and the Home Office were contacted for comment