A man who was arrested in Barking on suspicion of smuggling four other men and a child across the English Channel has appeared in court.

Samyar Bani has been charged with people smuggling for allegedly trying to bring five people to Kent on a small boat on Saturday, June 1.

The 35-year-old, who was arrested at an address in Tanner Street, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court yesterday (Thursday) and was remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court in July on a date yet to be fixed.