A haulage firm has quit working overseas because of fears about illegal immigrants sneaking on board its lorries.

Bosses at Tiptree-based Alexander M Frood know that if an asylum seeker was found they would be instantly fined £2,000.

Under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Act - introduced in April - companies can be punished even if they take precautions to keep stowaways at bay.

On Tuesday, the Gazette revealed how family-owned company BT Cullum faces ruin after five immigrants were found hiding in one of its lorries.

Bosses at the Tiptree-based firm have vowed to appeal.

Now the owners of Alexander M Frood have revealed how they had a shock of their own in March when a stowaway was found in one of their trailers in Bordeaux, France.

The startled immigrant fled before police arrived on the scene but the experience prompted bosses to halt overseas work.

Co-owner Linda Frood said: "Because of these problems and pressures we have decided to stop international work for the time being.

"The punishments are far too harsh. Haulage is a cut-throat business and we simply couldn't afford to be hit with a fine like that. It could spell the end for us."

Mrs Frood said spiralling diesel prices were also behind the decision to quit overseas work.

She added: "What happened to us was too close for comfort. We take every precaution in the book but drivers can't keep a 24-hour vigil of their trailers - they have to sleep sometimes.

"The people who make up these rules and regulations sit in an office all day and are detached from reality. They don't understand the predicament we find ourselves in."

Mrs Frood said she hoped her company would be able to resume overseas work soon.

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