IMMIGRATION enforcement officers have carried out a raid on a Hampshire restaurant.

The Indian Cottage Restaurant in West Street, Fareham, is facing heavy thousands of pounds in fines after officers attended on Friday and found four Bangladeshi men who were overstaying their visas.

Three of the men, two aged 32 and one aged 39, were arrested for immigration offences.

They are currently being held in immigration detention while the Home Office seeks their removal.

The other man, aged 26, was escorted from the premises because he has an outstanding right of appeal against removal from the UK.

A referral notice was served on the restaurant informing it that the case will be considered and it may face a civil penalty of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker employed.

A man, who confirmed he was the owner of the premises, said one of the men arrested had been released. He added: “They’re not even working there.”