FOUR Bangladeshi men have been arrested on suspicion of being illegal immigrants after officials raided an Indian restaurant.

Police from the Castle Point and Rochford joined forces with officers from Castle Point Council and Rochford Council to embark on a “day of action” tackling human trafficking and modern slavery, targeting potential brothels and takeaways

The teams used information and intelligence they had gathered about various homes and businesses across the boroughs to carry out their inquiries on Monday.

During their raid on Regency Spice, in Back Lane, Rochford, they found four men who are believed to be living in the UK illegally.

They were taken into custody and later taken by the UK Border Agency yesterday for processing prior to deportation.

Sgt Mark McQuade said the operation to target these hidden harms in the community was extremely important.

He said: “Our operation was to really seek out the people who might be living here illegally and look into how they have got into the country.

“One of them did mention that he got over here in the back of a lorry. “This day of action forms part of our control strategies and our priorities.

“There will be ongoing work by our community policing team in the next four to six weeks.

“We will go back to the establishments that have fallen foul and help to manage the businesses.” During the day, officers also visited a home in High Street, Hadleigh, and another in West Street, Rochford, after neighbours raised suspicions that brothels might be operating there.

However, when officers visited the premises, nothing untoward was found.

Mr McQuade added: “People said that there were men coming and going at various times of the day.

“This has been going on for the last three months.

“We managed to gain entry to the premises in High Street, Hadleigh, after speaking to a lady of Thai origin.

“When we investigated, there was no other person there.

“The lady in question denied any involvement.

“We had no evidence to make any arrests, but we gave the most suitable advice with regard to employing illegal workers.”

Anyone with information or suspicions about possible human trafficking or modern slavery operations in the area are being urged to call Essex Police immediately on 101.

Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org