TWO men believed to be working in the country illegally were arrested during a sting by enforcement officers at Bolton takeaways.

Home Office immigration enforcement officers made the arrests during a series of operations, which they said were based on "intelligence" from the public.

A 38-year-old Bangladeshi man was arrested and detained at the Little India takeaway in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge.

He was arrested after officers learned he had allegedly entered the country without leave to do so.

A 34-year-old Indian man was arrested at Hafajess Steak House in Halliwell Road, Halliwell, on suspicion of overstaying his visa.

Enforcement officers also arrested a man, aged 35, in Zaidys takeaway in Bolton Street, Bury, also on suspicion of overstaying his visa.

Each of the men face being removed from the country if they are found to have no leave to remain in the UK.

All the business will be served with a notice warning a penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker until proof is provided to show right-to-work checks have been carried out.

Paul Airlie, assistant director from the Manchester immigration enforcement team, said: “The message to businesses that deliberately employ people with no right to work or fail to carry out the legally required checks is clear.

"We will catch you, and you will pay a heavy penalty.

“Illegal working is not victimless. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

“I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.”

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.