The incident took place at the Epitre service station, a common stop for many drivers crossing through the Channel Tunnel or the port of Calais. The Portuguese driver is said to have forced three migrants who had hidden in the truck to get off in order to not pass illegally into the UK.

According to French media, the migrants attacked the 48-year-old Portuguese driver, who then entered the truck's cabin and ended up having a heart attack.

The driver was rescued at the scene, but ended up dying after receiving medical assistance.

The situation was reported to the authorities by the second driver of the truck, also a Portuguese national.

Police are now investigating the case, having already disclosed that the Portuguese driver had reported to authorities the presence of migrants in his truck before the incident that led to his death.