A restaurant worker has been arrested after entering the country illegally.

The 33-year-old Colombian man faces being removed from the UK after he was found working in Il Bacio Italian restaurant in Forest Drive, Theydon Bois, at about 5pm last Thursday (June 30).

Following a tip-off, Home Office immigration enforcement officers swooped on the business and questioned staff on whether they had the right to live and work in the country.

The man was held pending his removal from the UK.

Il Bacio, which says it specialises in “authentic Sardinian cuisine with emphasis on fresh and homemade food”, faces a fine of up to £20,000 unless it can demonstrate it properly checked a passport or a Home Office work permit.

Lionel Garriock from East of England Immigration Enforcement said: “Employers who choose to use illegal labour should be warned that our teams carry out regular operations such as this.

“Illegal working cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and means legitimate job seekers are denied employment opportunities.

“By properly carrying out the required ‘right to work’ checks, employers can minimise disruption to their business and avoid a heavy financial penalty.

“I would urge members of the public with detailed and specific information about suspected illegal working to report it to us.”