Woman held after police swoop

The woman, aged in her twenties, was working at the Pagham Fish Bar in Pagham Road and was arrested following intelligence received by the Border and Immigration Agency that the woman had stayed in the country after being denied residence. Officers arrived at about 7.30pm and spoke to staff and searched the premises. The woman was taken to the Chichester Custody Centre in Kingsham Road where she will now be questioned by immigration officials.

As part of the operation, officers also visited the Memories of India restaurant in Station Road, Bosham. No arrests were made but further investigations are being carried out into the status of two employees.

The restaurant has already been the subject of two visits by immigration officers this year, one in June where three arrests were made and another in September where investigations were carried out by the agency's criminal investigation team. Officers entered the premises at around 6pm and spent half an hour speaking to staff. So far this year, 14 visits have been made to premises in Bognor Regis, Chichester and the Witterings with 16 arrests made. Premises include the New Magna Tandoori in Selsey, the Moonlight and Madhu Ban Tandoori restaurants in East Wittering, and Hands On Car Cleaners in Westhampnett.

Officials carry out regular operations in the area with up to 65 visits a week.