Immigration officers have swooped on a Belmont restaurant and arrested six illegal workers.

Haweli of Belmont restaurant on Station Road could now face a fine of up to £60,000 for employing the six Bangladeshi men.

During the raid last Friday, eight immigration officers from the UK Border Agency visited the venue in the early evening and sealed all the exits to make sure no one escaped.

Area director Hugh Ind said after questioning staff and checking identity documents the six men were arrested.

Procedures have been put in place to remove them from the UK and a notice of potential liability was served against the owner of the business.

Mr Ind said the owner of the business could face a fine of up to £10,000 per employee.

He said: “These arrests send a clear message to those working illegally in Surrey – we will not tolerate it and will work hard to find those responsible and take action against them.

“I am happy and willing to work closely with employers so that they understand the rules.

“However, if you are found to be breaking the law and are employing workers illegally, we will take action and you could face a substantial fine or even a prison sentence.’’ The agency’s civil penalties department is now dealing with the case.

On September 22, Sutton police stopped a suspicious vehicle in Croydon Road, Beddington. Communications officer Colin Walden said six people from the vehicle were arrested in connection with immigration and money laundering offences.

Mr Walden said enquiries were ongoing.