Seven staff arrested at Chinese restaurant

During the operation three of the staff were alleged to have tried to escape by running out the back of the restaurant but were caught and arrested by officers covering the exits.

Officers visited The New Royal Regent Cantonese Restaurant, on Armadale Road, Whitburn last week, and questioned staff to ensure they had the right to work in the UK.

Of the 15 employees on site at the time, five male and two female Chinese nationals were arrested for immigration offences and two others had no permission to work.

The UK Border Agency is making arrangements for their removal from the country.

The New Royal Regent Cantonese Restaurant has been issued with a penalty notice which means they could be fined up to 90,000, unless bosses can prove they carried out the correct right-to-work checks on their employees.

Damian Green, the Immigration Minister, 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 create a hostile environment which makes it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK and put down roots.

"Illegal immigration puts untold pressure on public services at a time when this country cannot afford to support people not entitled to it."