Two illegal immigrants have been caught working at a Chinese restaurant in Shropshire following a UK Border Agency raid.

Officers visited the Tiger Bowl in Shrewsbury late yesterday afternoon.

Agency spokesman Simon Ballinger said today: “Officers raided the Tiger Bowl in Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury.

“Two workers, both Chinese nationals, were detained on suspicion of being illegal workers.

“The company now faces a fine of £20,000 for employing illegal workers.”

It comes just a week after five illegal immigrants – including one with a conviction for drugs offences – were caught working at a Thai restaurant in Ironbridge after a separate raid.

Officers visited the Siam Cottage, in Tontine Hill, after a tip-off that staff at the establishment did not have the right to work in the country.

Following interviews it was found that of the six staff on site, just one, a British national, was entitled to work in the UK, an agency official said.

The other five were Chinese nationals working illegally and officers said one of them was a known immigration offender who had previously served a prison sentence for cultivating drugs.

Also last month six people were found to be working illegally after entering the UK on false passports following a raid on Corbetts the Galvanisers in Telford.

The Shropshire operation is part of a nationwide summer crackdown on illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised immigration crime.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “The Government has tasked the UK Border Agency with carrying out an intense period of enforcement activity.

“We are determined to make it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK.

“Illegal immigration puts pressure on public services, local communities and legitimate businesses at a time when the country cannot afford it.”

Mr Ballinger said firms caught employing illegals faced fines of up to £10,000 per worker – and bosses could end up in jail.

Anyone who suspects people are working illegally in the county, or any employers who have concerns about documents staff have produced, should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.