An Indian restaurant is facing a potential £60,000 fine after illegal workers were found on its premises.

Immigration enforcement officers raided Mint Leaf Lounge in London Road, Teynham.

The business was served a referral notice in relation to three illegal workers who were arrested.

The notice warns that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless the employer 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.

If proof is not provided, this is a potential total of up to £60,000.

Richard Lederle, assistant director for Immigration Enforcement in the South East, said: "Those who use and exploit illegal workers face severe financial penalties.

"We are happy to work with businesses to ensure the right pre-employment checks are carried out, but those intent on operating outside the law will be found and will be punished.

"Using illegal labour is not victimless. It cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest businesses and cheats legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.

"All of our operations are intelligence led and I would encourage people with detailed and specific information about illegal immigration to contact us."

Following the raid at 8pm on Friday, immigration checks found three Bangladeshi men aged 31, 36 and 42, were in the country illegally.

The 31-year-old was found to have overstayed his student visa and has been ordered to report to Immigration Enforcement regularly while his case is progressed.

The 36-year-old was found to have entered the country illegally and the 42-year-old was found to have overstayed his visa. Both have been detained while steps are taken to remove them from the UK.

People with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact go to: www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.