SUSPECTED illegal workers were arrested yesterday in a series of raids in Poole.

Part of a national clampdown, officers from the Home Office’s London and South Immigration Enforcement and Visas team hit takeaway chain California Fried Chicken and Pizza at Ashley Road, Wallisdown Road and Ringwood Road.

The Daily Echo was invited to join them to witness the operation first hand.

At Wallisdown, an Uzbekistan man, 32, suspected of overstaying his visa was arrested and taken away for questioning. He was later placed on immigration bail.

At Ashley Road an Afghan man, 40, suspected of entering the country illegally, was detained pending removal from the country.

At a warehouse in Sharp Road, Poole, a Brazilian man, 33, suspected of overstaying his visa, was detained pending removal from the country.

The business was served with penalty notices relating to the three employees – facing a potential fine of up to £30,000.

Today, the Home Office said they had made a further arrest at the Ringwood Road branch.

A 25-year-old Pakistani man was arrested on suspicion of working in breach of his conditions and was being interviewed

Officers also visited a branch in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, but found no offenders.

Simone Sheppard, chief immigration officer, told the Daily Echo: “It’s a high profile day for all immigration officers all over the country.

“We had some intelligence that this company was possibly employing illegal workers.

“We have made one arrest here (at Ashley Road) today as well as finding someone who does not have permission to work who will be escorted from the premises.

“Here in the south we’re going out five or six times a week.”

The raids saw teams of officers in vans go into each branch of the chicken chain and round up workers before questioning them as to their immigration status.

Across the country, the wave of raids had led to more than 90 arrests as the Daily Echo went to press.

Immigration minister Mark Harper said: “Today’s operations highlight the routine work we are carrying out every day to stamp out illegal working.”