Two Iranian men have been found working illegally in a Whitehaven barber's shop.

Immigration enforcement officers carried out an operation on Saturday afternoon at Star Barber Shop, Duke Street.

The two men, aged 27 and 28, had both entered the UK illegally and must now report regularly to the Home Office while their cases are dealt with.

Star Barber Shop could face a £40,000 penalty if it is unable to prove they carried out the correct checks on the men.

John Harrison, HMI for Immigration Enforcement Cumbria, said: “We will continue to take action against those who are in the country illegally.

“We would urge members of the public with detailed and specific information about immigration offending to contact us.

”Star Barber Shop have been served a notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per person, will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work, this amounts to a total of £40,000.''

People are asked to contact the Home Office if they think someone is living or working in the UK illegally, or is employing someone who isn't allowed to work in the UK.

If you have information you don't have to give your name and address and it will be treated as confidential.

The Immigration Enforcement hotline is on 0300 123 7000 or contact Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555111.