A chip shop's licence has been stripped after illegal workers were found during an immigration raid.

The Cod Father in Ashford's Lower High Street was also deemed a public safety risk because of escalating violence and antisocial behaviour.

It culminated when staff joined in a street brawl wielding a baseball bat, broom handle and 2ft-long knife, an Ashford Borough Council meeting heard.

PC Alistair Pringle told ABC's licensing sub-committee yesterday the Home Office discovered two illegal workers at the takeaway in June.

He said there was an "inherent disregard of law and order" at the premises, ran by owner Sahargul Ahmadzai and license holder Khaidsa Ahmadzai.

PC Pringle presented CCTV evidence of a fight erupting ten metres from the takeaway, but edged closer, in the early hours of October 7.

It showed Sahargul, 25, wielding a baseball bat from the boot of his car and another man leaving the premises with a kebab knife hidden behind his back.

Vehicles were also seen to be smashing into each other in apparent retaliation as a member of staff could be seen lashing out with a cricket bat.

PC Pringle explained takeaway staff didn't report the crime to police or activate the shop's panic alarm, instead "taking matters into their owns hands".

He told the meeting: "We accept violence takes place but we expect them to uphold their licensing objectives.

"There is a real concern they have failed to prevent crime and disorder while putting members of the public in harms way."

He added the premises was a "magnate for drunk people" as it opened until 5am and there were likely more disturbances than the police are aware of.

"Given that the premises did not notify police themselves regarding the incident on October 7 and instead chose to involve themselves, there is a strong possibility the crime figures only show a glimpse of the levels of 'crime and disorder' at this venue," his report said.

When committee chairman Cllr Peter Feacey asked the pair to describe their licence objectives they were unable to respond.

Licensing objectives are legal obligations - prevention of crime and disorder and promoting public safety, for example.

Samantha Clarke, the council's legal advisor, read out the decision notice issued by the committee, which said the evidence presented a "great worry".

She said: "The sub-committee were alarmed the premises licence holder had no idea what the licensing objectives were. Not only that, he did not know what measures he had in place.

"(For example) the parameter within which his premises could lawfully operate in respect of the promotion of the licensing objectives," she said.

She added the committee was "mindful of the immigration offences," which saw Sahargul fined £40,000.

She went on: "The lack of contacting the police when incidents take place, where offensive weapons were produced, motor offences were taking place, fights in the street and car crashes, events which are quite serious and alarming, is a great worry."

Khaida, who was largely silent throughout the hearing and Sahargul looked emotionless during Ms Clarke's summing up.

Making representations, Sahargul argued the takeaway should remain open because staff had received "conflict management" training, as requested by police.

The pair would "do anything you want us to do" to keep the licence and the fine for employing illegal staff was "being handled," he added.

He continued: "I just wanted to break the fight up.

"I didn't call the police (during the street fight) because they sometimes cause more problems for us.

"When it is sometimes serious we call the police but other than that it just causes more problems.

"I took the baseball bat out to protect us I didn't use it. I just put it back in the boot of my car."