Man deported after raid

Shocked customers watched as 11 border officers swooped on the Red Fort, in Park Street, Lytham, around 8pm on March 20.

The 22-year-old, arrested by border control officers at the restaurant, was deported back to Bangladesh in April after several weeks at a UK detention centre.

Another Bangladeshi man, a 24-year-old, also arrested for overstaying his visa, is awaiting deportation and remains in detention.

A third man, 32, was questioned by officers during the raid, but released as he was on police bail for another alleged crime.

Border Force assistant director Karen McDonough, from the Lancashire Immigration Enforcement Team, said: “These arrests will act as a stark warning to anyone in Lancashire who is in the UK illegally.

“We will catch up with you and you will face arrest, detention and removal from the country.

“We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face financial penalties.

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

Border agents swooped on the restaurant following a tip-off from a member of the public.

After officers entered the restaurant through the front and rear exits, two men attempted to escape from officers by jumping over a wall at the back of the eaterie.

The Border Force team also searched living accommodation above the restaurant premises.

The business was served a notice warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless proof is provided the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

The owner of the restaurant Liaquat Ali, who also owns The Moghul restaurant in Orchard Road, St Annes, was unavailable for comment on the deportation.