FIVE illegal workers have been found employed at two Dorset businesses following raids by the UK Border Agency.

Immigration officers raided Oriental Chinese takeaway in St Leonard’s Road, Bournemouth and Saffron Indian restaurant in Lymington Road, Highcliffe, on Thursday March 4 following a tip off.

Both restaurants were issued with a penalty notice for employing illegal workers and may now face a fine of up to £10,000 per offender.

Immigration officers found two Chinese men, aged 32 and 34, in the kitchen of Oriental Chinese who had no legal right to work in the UK.

The pair were placed on immigration bail while steps are taken to deport them.

Later the same day officers went to Saffron Indian Restaurant, where all three chefs in the kitchen were arrested for working illegally.

The Bangladeshi men aged 25, and the other two aged 43, were being questioned at Bournemouth Police Station and set to be deported if they are found to have no legal right to remain in the UK.

Kenny Chapman, head of the UK Border Agency South West immigration team, said: “As these arrests show we are out in Dorset very frequently targeting illegal workers and other immigration offenders.

“We are sending a simple, clear message to people flouting the law.

"More raids are planned and you will be caught.

"By law, employers must check that their staff have the right to work in the UK and we are happy to provide help for people who want to play by the rules.”