A WINCHESTER restaurant faces a fine of up to £50,000, after it was raided for the second time by the UK Border Agency.

Five people from China were arrested by immigration officers at Charles House restaurant on Eastgate early on the evening of July 22.

It followed an enforcement operation at the same premises in December 2007, when eight people were arrested.

The UK Border Agency is now investigating the restaurant to see if it should be prosecuted. An agency spokesman said employers are expected to check that their staff are entitled to work in the country.

The agency can impose fines - of up to £10,000 per illegal worker - in cases where bosses have failed to carry out the necessary checks. Prosecution is pursued in cases where the law is being deliberately broken.

At the time of the 2007 visit, the powers to impose civil penalties on employers were not yet in force.

Regional Director for the UK Border Agency Tony Smith said: "We have very strict rules about working in the UK. If you don't meet the requirements, you can't get a job.

"Around 100 enforcement operations are being carried out every week in this region, so if you're working without permission, you're likely to get caught and be removed from the country.

"If we find evidence that it's the employers acting illegally, they face a hefty fine or even prison."

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in the area should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.