The police force on Sunday arrested 26 people who were found to be living in Malta illegally.

In a statement, the police said that the 26 had been arrested in Hamrun, Santa Venera and Marsa, while inspections also happened in gardens and public spaces in Hamrun.

The police did not give details about the people arrested.

The police said that the inspections are part of strategic coordination between the force, immigration entities, and the Detention Services Agency.  The inspections, it said, focused on workplaces and shops, and will intensify in the coming weeks.

Those caught living in Malta illegally are taken to the detention centre and held there until they are deported to their country of origin or to the country where they have permission to live in. 

The police said that it continues to investigate the cases as well.