Illegal immigrants were seen jumping off a ship in Bootle Docks before scattering across the port area last night.
Police closed the docks, run by Peel Ports, for several hours yesterday evening after a number of people were seen entering restricted areas.
The group was arrested and taken to police stations across Merseyside to be quizzed by the UK Border Force.
The borders team, who are now dealing with those involved, were alerted by Port Police when the people fleeing from a vessel entered the “port secure area”.
A spokesman for Peel Ports said: “On Monday, January 22, six illegal immigrants entered the port secure area from a vessel.
“All six were intercepted and detained by Port Police, and are now at various custody centres in Merseyside.
“UK Border Force were alerted at the time and are now dealing directly with matters.”
The ECHO understands that dock workers have now been told to alert police if they see any suspicious activity or if they spot anyone who isn’t supposed to be there.
An eyewitness to the incident added: “Police were also checking everyone coming in and out of docks last night.”
It is unclear which ship was involved and where it had docked from.
The UK Border Force have been contacted for comment.
