IMMIGRATION officers wearing stab vests surrounded two restaurants in a Kent town centre and arrested seven men in a raid on illegal immigrants.

The Raj Indian and Yeungs Chinese restaurant, both in Faversham, were targeted.

Officers arrested five Bangladeshi nationals at the Raj in West Street and steps will now be taken to remove them from the country.

Two men were arrested at Yeungs in Preston Street. They are still being checked out by the UK Border and Immigration Agency.

Tony Smith, regional director of the Border and Immigration Agency, said: "We will not tolerate illegal working. That's why the Border and Immigration Agency is investing more money in enforcement and forging ever closer links with the police.

"Illegal working is unfair on honest employers who recruit staff with the right to work in the UK and who pay them a proper salary."

Neither restaurant owner wanted to comment after the raids, which took place on Friday.

See this week's Faversham News for the full story.