Three illegal workers have been caught at a Dereham restaurant following a raid by the UK Border Agency.

Officers swooped on Akaash Tandoori, Market Place, Dereham at 6pm on Thursday, sealing all the exits before questioning staff and checking their immigration status.

Three Bangladeshi men, two aged 20 and one aged 21, were arrested after checks showed that they were working in breach of their student visas.

All three men were taken to an immigration detention centre.

The UK Border Agency is now taking action to remove them from the country.

The business was issued with an on-the-spot penalty notice for employing illegal workers and may now face a fine of up to �30,000.

To avoid a heavy fine, the business must prove to the UK Border Agency that it carried out the correct pre-employment checks on their staff.

Philip Hallwood, UK Border Agency Norfolk immigration officer, said: 'Businesses that exploit illegal workers face severe financial penalties and potential prosecution.

'We are happy to help businesses carry out the correct pre-employment checks. But those intent on breaking the law should expect an enforcement visit.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/advice-for-employers or they can call the UK Border Agency Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Norfolk should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/contact/report-crime.