FOUR men found in the back of a lorry in Leigh have officially applied for asylum in this country.

They were discovered on Tuesday night after a French truck driver parked in Greenfold Way heard noises coming from the back of his trailer.

When he went to investigate, he found the four men inside.

A 42-year-old and a 27-year-old from Iraq, a 25-year-old from Iran and a Syrian 20-year-old were taken to Leigh Police Station.

They were given food and water before being interviewed by immigration officials.

A spokesman for the Immigration Service said: "The men have all claimed asylum. They have been released while their applications are processed."