Restaurant workers flee border cops

Diners were left shocked after immigration officers raided a Fylde coast restaurant – with two men caught trying to evade border police by jumping over a wall.
Immigration officers raid the Red Fort in Lytham 20/03/2014Immigration officers raid the Red Fort in Lytham 20/03/2014
Immigration officers raid the Red Fort in Lytham 20/03/2014

Stunned customers watched as 11 customs officers swooped on the Red Fort in Park Street, Lytham, on Thursday at 
8pm.

Officers tackled two men as they attempted to jump over a wall at the back of the restaurant and searched 
living accommodation above the eaterie.

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Two men – aged 24 and 22 - were arrested by officers for allegedly overstaying their visas. Both men are being held at an immigration detention centre, as officers continue investigations into the validity of their passports and visa documentation.

If found to be without 
proper paperwork, they could be deported.

A 32-year-old man, 
arrested for breaching his 
visa conditions, was released on immigration bail.

All the men were from Bangladesh, the Home Office’s Border Agency confirmed.

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Lancashire Immigration Enforcement team assistant director Karen McDonough, said: “These arrests will act as a stark warning to anyone in Lancashire who is in the UK illegally.

“We will catch up with you and you will face arrest, detention and removal from the country.

“We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face financial penalties.

“I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.”

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The business was served a notice warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless proof is provided the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

The owner of the restaurant Liaquat Ali, who also owns The Moghul restaurant in St Annes, declined to 
comment on the raid.