IMMIGRATION officers targeted two Winchester restaurants early yesterday evening in a crackdown on illegal workers.

The Daily Echo accompanied the team of officers from the UK Border Agency as they carried out the raids following a tip-off that the businesses could be employing people who were not entitled to work in the country.

Officials from the UK Border Agency swooped on Gurka Chef in City Road, where they found an illegal immigrant, who was arrested and will be removed from the country.

A swoop on another Nepalese restaurant – Gurka Kitchen in Parchment Street – did not turn up any illegal workers but officers are investigating the immigration status of two men found at the address.

It is the second time the eateries have been visited by the immigration authority.

In September last year three illegal workers were found at the Gurka Chef, and two at the Gurka Kitchen.

Hugh Ind, area director of the UK Border Agency, said: “These operations show we are determined to act on tip-offs passed to us about these restaurants.

“We would rather work with businesses in the Winchester area, not against them, and we’d encourage them to get in touch if they are unsure about the immigration status of those working for them.”

Immigration teams are conducting weekly raids on businesses in Hampshire as part of a crackdown on illegal workers.