NINE people were arrested during an Immigration Service swoop on a popular takeaway and a busy restaurant in Lancaster and seven will be deported after officers discovered they were in the country illegally.

Customs officers and police raided the Wok Express and the Golden Jade, within a few yards of each other on the city's Penny Street, and made the arrests over alleged work permit and visa irregularities.

All nine were taken to Morecambe police station for questioning.

Two people were later released but the remaining seven were detained by the immigration service and will be removed from the UK.

"I can confirm that following a joint operation between officers from the Immigration Service and Lancashire Constabulary on Tuesday, February 22, nine people were arrested at a takeaway and restaurant in Lancaster," says Home Office spokeswoman Jane Parsons.

"The arrests were made over allegations of suspected immigration offences.

"Two people were released, while the remaining seven will be removed from the country at the earliest opportunity.

"Six of the people are of Chinese origin and the seventh a Malaysian national."

The Golden Jade, a popular restaurant with many students, was open as normal but a few yards down Penny Street the Wok Express's doors remained closed and telephone callers were greeted with an automated response saying it has not been possible to connect your call'.