A worker at a Kent car wash has been arrested by Home office officials who suspected he was working in the UK illegally.

Officers from the Kent and Sussex Immigration Enforcement team visited the CPV Hand Car Wash, at Battle Road in St Leonards on June 18.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “They interviewed staff working there and one man, aged 19 from Albania, was found to be working illegally having entered the UK illegally.

“He was arrested and placed in immigration detention. If it is found he has no right to remain in the country steps will be taken to remove him from the UK.”

The car washing business was served with a notice warning a financial penalty of up to £20,000 will be imposed unless proof is provided that legally required right to work checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or a Home Office document.

Richard Lederle, assistant director from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “Illegal working defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts employers who ply an honest trade and cheats legitimate jobseekers out of employment opportunities.

“We are happy to work with those who want to play by the rules but employers who break the law will face the consequences.”