IN RESPONSE to an online article dated June 10 “Police catch illegal immigrants who fled from a lorry in Bourton-on –the-Water”.

I was somewhat concerned to read this article, not least because of the sensationalist headline which appears to convict eight men of “illegality” before they were even reprehended or charges brought.

In a media age which seeks to sensationalise and demonise forced migrants, I would expect responsible journalism to rise above this.

According to your article, the men concerned were “suspected” of breaching immigration laws but as yet have been convicted of nothing.

Issue of forced migration is one that needs to be addressed but to do so requires space and context and should not be crammed into a brief exercise in sensationalism.

For example, what are the push factors that motivate human beings to risk their lives in seeking a life away from home? How do wealthy industrialised countries contribute to lethal conditions in countries of origin? In what ways does the arms trade, currently hugely subsidised by the British government, play a role in this movement of human beings? What have been the contributions brought to the UK by those seeking asylum (there are many and we should be proud of them)?

The men who featured in your article are first and foremost human beings. Treat them as such.

FRANCES JOHNSON

Cirencester