Some cocklers working at Morecambe Bay have moved to north Wales.

The group were among 70 stopped at Lafan sands at Abergwyngregyn, near Bangor on Frieday by North Wales Police in a crackdown on gang masters.

On Saturday the Home Office confirmed all those being held were believed to be Chinese.

There are no permits for cockling in the area although cocklers have moved in after other beds in England were closed.

The cocklers were arrested in an operation carried out by police as the workers arrived at the beds by the main A55 road at around 0800 BST on Friday.

"The 14 people, all thought to be Chinese, are being processed by the immigration service," said a Home Office spokesman.

Police officers set up road blocks, and a police helicopter was also used in the operation.

Groups of up to 90 cocklers have been working at Lafan Sands, with fisheries officials believing they have moved to north west Wales after a cockle bed in Morecambe Bay was closed down to preserve stocks.

Sandbanks

North Wales Police said 25 officers took part in Friday's operation..

The immigration service and vehicle inspectorate were also involved.

"This area is made up of large sandbanks, which have deep channels running through them," said a force spokesman.

"The tide flow in the area is quick-flowing, which rapidly turns the banks into a perilous place for persons unacquainted with the area."

Cocklers have gathered to work illegally at Lafan Sands

The force said the operation "was aimed at disrupting gang masters who are involved in the passage of illegal immigrant workers".

A vehicle was also seized and one person was arrested for driving while disqualified.

The statement went on:� Past incidents have highlighted violent situations where there has been clear conflict between competing parties.

"Such parties visiting north Wales in the future can expect close police attention as both their personal safety and protection of the environment is of primary concern to us."

There have also been concerns for bird habitats, with Lafan Sands designated as a site of special scientific interest, as a feeding ground for up to 4,000 oystercatchers.

Inspectors, who have been monitoring the situation, say the cocklers have not breached any fisheries regulations.

Cockling became more intensive in the north west of England at the end of 2002, with the issue coming to wider attention 21 Chinese cocklers drowned at Morecambe Bay in February.

Jim Andrews, chief executive of the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, said no permit scheme for cockling operated in the Lafan Sands area

"We are dealing with a whole new scenario when it comes to cockling," he said.

"We have never seen these large numbers of gangs before June last year. We have seen nothing on this scale."