FIVE people were arrested in an immigration and welfare check operation which saw police officers visit five restaurants across Salisbury.

The operation was conducted by the Salisbury Neighbourhood Team on Thursday, June 29 in conjunction with response teams, specialist departments and immigration.

Wiltshire Police said the unit “spoke to employees of the restaurants to check their welfare and ensure they were working legitimately, receiving what they were entitled to, and getting the right advice and support.”

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One of the five people arrested was later de-arrested, and three fines totalling £60,000 were issued to employers for employees working illegally.

Inspector Tina Osborn said: “This was a successful operation in collaboration with our partners to perform modern slavery checks and ensure that employees were working legally and being treated appropriately.

“We take modern slavery incredibly seriously and will clamp down on employers breaching laws regarding immigration and employees’ rights.

“I would like to remind business owners that it’s your responsibility to check the immigration status of any employees you are hiring.”