Two children were found by police crammed into the boot of a car pulled over on the M6 motorway. Officers from North West Motorway Police stopped the VW Arteon after the force was called to reports of an overcrowded vehicle.
Seven people were reportedly in the car which was escorted off the M6 at Junction 20 (Lymm Interchange) near Preston, Lancashire.
The travellers were going on holiday, according to North West Motorway Police, which shared their discovery on Twitter along with pictures which show the car boot floor scattered with cushions, sleeping bags and blankets.
A spokesperson for the force told the Mirror the motorist was reported for three offences, including carrying two passengers without seat belts.
The tweet, posted on Monday, read: "VW Arteon stopped following report of seven people on board, two children in the boot.
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"Vehicle sighted on the M6, taken off Junction 20. Driver reported for three offences, carrying two passengers with no seatbelts and using a vehicle for an unsuitable purpose. Family going on holiday."
Cheshire Police tweeted in response: "Unbelievable. We know many will be on our roads over the next few weeks for their holidays, but there are no excuses when it comes to not wearing seatbelts."
News of the discovery came after one of the busiest days of the year for travel as families set off for the summer holidays after schools finished last week.
The RAC estimated 12.6 million car journeys would be made as part of a day trip or holiday between Friday and Monday.
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