EIGHT men arrested at an illegal encampment in Waltham Forest could be deported back to their home countries.

Further details have emerged of the group of ‘destitute migrants’ who set up a home in Leyton.

Officers from the North London Home Office Immigration Enforcement team assisted an operation led by Waltham Forest Council on August 13.

Eight men thought to be 'immigration offenders' were found.

Six were Polish men, aged between 29 and 56, and were found not to be exercising their treaty rights.

A 35-year-old Algerian man and 41-year-old Russian, also living there had entered the country illegally.

All eight men have been ordered to report to the Home Office regularly and it is believed steps are being taken to remove them from the country.

The group were living in "squalid conditions" at the makeshift camp inside Leyton Jubilee Park in Orient Way.

All occupants of the camp were given one week to leave and eight arrests were made.

Deputy leader cllr Clyde Loakes, said: "It was important for us to get this illegal encampment removed as swiftly as possible due to the squalid living conditions found at the site.

"Encampments like this also present a serious risk to safety and are damaging to the local environment.

"I am pleased that our multi-agency approach has resulted in the necessary action being taken."

 The council said Thames Reach are working with the inhabitants to help them find suitable accommodation.