Three men from China will be forced to leave the UK after they were found to be living and working illegally in Suffolk.

Acting on intelligence, immigration enforcement officers visited China Garden in Haverhill at about 5.30pm on Wednesday.

The men, aged 49, 41 and 24, were all detained pending their removal from the UK.

The business faces a fine of up to £60,000 – £20,000 per illegal worker - unless it can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

Rob Gambrill, of Immigration Enforcement, said: “Given that nobody at the takeaway had any right to be in the UK, the men had no option but to lock the premises as they were taken away.

“On top of losing an evening’s custom, the business owners also now face the possibility of a substantial financial penalty.

“Employment checks are easy to carry out and those with appropriate records have nothing to fear from Immigration Enforcement. However, those who either knowingly employ immigration offenders or who have a lax attitude towards the legally required checks should expect a visit.”

Employers with questions about checking a job applicant’s right to work in the UK can call the dedicated support line for advice on 0300 123 4699. They can also use the Employers’ Checking Service for checks on migrants with outstanding immigration applications and appeals at www.gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status