THREE men were arrested by immigration enforcement officers after a raid on a fast food restaurant.

After a tip off, officers carried out an operation at Nayeb Kebab, The Drive, Hove, on Monday where they found three men working illegally.

The trio, all from Afghanistan and aged between 18 and 30 years old, had entered the country illegally.

Two of the men remain in immigration detention pending their removal from the UK.

The third man, who had an outstanding application with the Home Office, was escorted from the premises and must report regularly while his case is dealt with.

The business has been served with a notice warning that a fine of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker found will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out

Assistant Director Richard Lederle, head of the Kent and Sussex Immigration Enforcement team, said: "We are working hard to tackle illegal working and those who abuse the UK’s immigration system.

"Using illegal labour is not victimless crime. It defrauds the Treasury, depriving vital public services like schools and hospitals of funds, it undercuts honest businesses and it cheats legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.

"It also exploits some of society’s most vulnerable people.

"We are happy to work with employers who want to play by the rules.

"However, those who attempt to cheat the rules can expect to be caught and to face stiff financial consequences."

Member of the public with information about suspected immigration should report it online at gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.