A MAN has been arrested after immigration officers searched premises in Penrith.

The multi-agency operation involved Cumbria police, Immigration Enforcement and Eden District Council.

The three agencies targeted businesses and properties in Penrith last weekend.

Cumbria police have confirmed that they have made an arrest.

The council has served a suspended prohibition order under the Housing Act 2004, following concerns over fire safety.

A spokesman for the immigration team said: “We supported a number a visits in and around the Penrith area with Cumbria Constabulary and Eden District Council on May 14.

“An individual was arrested for suspected immigration offences and will be dealt with according to the immigration rules.

“A referral notice for employing an illegal worker as also issued to one premises.”

When issued a referral notice it means that a business can be penalised if it employs someone who does not have the right to work and it did not do the correct checks, or did not do them properly.

If this happens, a business might get a ‘referral notice’ to let it know that the case is being considered and that it might have to pay a civil penalty (fine) of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker.

A council spokesman said: “The council can confirm that there was an arranged multi-agency visit to a number of premises within Penrith.

“A fine was issued by the local Immigration Compliance and Enforcement team of the Home Office.

“Eden District Council served a suspended prohibition order under the Housing Act 2004, following concerns over fire safety.”

A spokesman for the police said: “The operation ran from about 2pm to about 7pm on Friday, with officers attending premises in Penrith.

“The purpose of the visits was due to concerns including employment status of persons working at these premises.

“A 44 year-old man from Penrith was arrested for immigration offences. “He has since been released on police bail.”