Boy found in suitcase in failed smuggling attempt

Spanish border staff have discovered an 8-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast locked in a suitcase in a failed smuggling attempt.

Images from the video of the boy being discovered at the Spanish border crossing.

There are reports an 8-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast has been discovered on Thursday at El Tarajal in Spain, a border entry point from neighbouring Morroco.

CNN has published video footage of the boy emerging from a small, pink suitcase that was being escorted by a 21-year-old Morrocan woman through the border crossing.

It is understood the border staff scanned the bag after the woman's behaviour attracted attention.

Still of CNN video of suitcase being scanned at the Spanish border crossing.

A police spokesperson told CNN: "Our officers asked her if she needed help as the wheels began to give in."

It is unknown how long the boy spent in the suitcase, lying in a tight fetal position. But the police spokesperson says he is unharmed.

"He was shocked when we opened the suitcase to see so many people looking at him."

The boy discovered in a suitcase at a Spanish border crossing. (Still from CNN video)

It is understood the father of the boy, who has Spanish residency, has been arrested.