AN illegal worker was found at an Essex pub during a raid by immigration officers.

They swooped on The Sun Inn in Dedham and saw a man flee the kitchen and attempt to pose as a customer at the bar.

But the 35-year-old Indian man was found to be working in the country illegally and the hostelry could now be hit with a �10,000 fine.

The UK Border Agency said the man had overstayed his visa and that arrangements were being made to remove him from the country.

Officers said the raid – carried out shortly after 5pm on Friday, September 24 – was intelligence-led. It was carried out by the agency’s immigration team for north-east Essex and Suffolk as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal working.

The agency said if the pub, situated in the high street, cannot prove it carried out pre-employment immigration checks, it could face a fine of up to �10,000.

Immigration minister Damian Green said: “The Government has tasked the UK Border Agency with carrying out an intense period of enforcement activity over the summer. We are determined to make it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK.

“Illegal immigration puts pressure on public services, local communities and legitimate businesses at a time when this country cannot afford it.

“That’s why the UK Border Agency is working to cut out illegal employment, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised traffickers being used by foreign nationals to try to stay in the UK illegally.”

Jack Davis, chief immigration officer at the UK Border Agency, said: “We are working hard to find and remove those who have no right to live or work in the UK.

“Our enforcement visits are always based on information received and we appeal to the public to let us know when they have information about suspected immigration offenders.”

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can call the UK Border Agency’s Employers’ Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

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