CCTV cameras could be fitted at Gatwick airport to stop illegal immigrants trying to "slip through the net" upon arrival in Britain.

Home Secretary David Blunkett yesterday announced the surveillance equipment is to be installed at Heathrow airport as part of a pilot project.

The aim is to catch people who attempt to slip past immigration officials after landing.

If successful, the cameras may also be installed at Gatwick.

A Home Office spokesman said: "This has ramifications for Gatwick because what works at Heathrow will work there.

"Heathrow has been picked for the pilot but it could be extended and Gatwick is the next busiest airport."

The introduction of CCTV into airports was announced by Mr Blunkett as part of a package of measures to prevent illegal immigrants entering the country.

The measures also include extra security devices at ports, including X-ray scanners and CCTV.

Immigration officers at Dover will get five mobile scanners to detect illegal immigrants, who are often smuggled through the port in freight vehicles.

Trials of heartbeat sensors will also take place at Dover and Coquelles, in France.

The sensors work by placing up to four brass sensors, connected to a computer, on a stationary vehicle.