A 26-year-old man from Pakistan has been arrested and detained following an immigration raid at a Watford kebab shop.

Another 56-year-old man, also from Pakistan, found working at Flaming Kebab House illegally faces removal from the country.

The owners of the Queens Road fast food outlet now have a potential fine of £40,000 hanging over them after Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers visited the shop at about 6.30pm on Thursday, July 31.

The officers, who were acting on intelligence, questioned staff to check whether they had the right to live and work in the UK.

The 26-year-old was found to be working in breach of a student visa and was arrested at the restaurant.

The Home Office confirmed he is currently detained while steps are taken to remove him from the UK. 

The 56-year-old had overstayed his visa. He is currently reporting to the Home Office on immigration bail while his case is considered. If he is found to have no right to remain in the UK he will also face removal.

The business was notified that they could be liable for a civil penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found if proof is not provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out - a potential total of up to £40,000.

Lionel Garriock, assistant director of East of England Immigration Enforcement, said: "Home Office Immigration Enforcement carries out regular visits across Hertfordshire to businesses believed to be employing illegal workers.

"This operation should serve as a warning that employers failing to carry out the correct right-to-work checks can expect to face heavy financial penalties.

"Employers must, by law, check whether the people they hire have the right to work in this country. Illegal working defrauds the taxpayer, and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

"I would urge members of the public with information about suspected illegal working to get in touch."