THREE men have been arrested in a raid on an award-winning Indian restaurant in Frinton's Connaught Avenue.

Immigration enforcers targeted the British India on Wednesday night and carried out checks on staff.

Three Bangladeshi men were arrested.

A 26-year-old was stopped as he tried to leave the rear of the premises. Officers found he had overstayed his student visa.

He was detained while steps are taken to deport him.

The immigration service said the other two men, aged 31 and 37, were illegal immigrants. They have been released on bail and must report to the Home Office while their cases continue.

None of those arrested had the right to work in the UK.

The restaurant, which serves traditional English food during the day and Indian food at night, could be fined up to £60,000.

The potential penalties are up to £20,000 per illegal worker unless employers can show the right checks were carried out to ensure staff are allowed to work in the UK.

Emma Clouting, of Immigration Enforcement, said: “It is easy for businesses to carry out employment checks and those with appropriate records have nothing to fear from Immigration Enforcement. "However, those who either knowingly employ immigration offenders or who have a lax attitude towards the legally required checks should expect a visit."

The Gazette was unable to contact the restaurant for comment.