Six illegal workers were discovered during a raid on two warehouses this morning.

Barking and Dagenham Post: A worker is questioned by a Border Agency officer.A worker is questioned by a Border Agency officer. (Image: Archant)

UK Border Agency officers had a warrant to raid fruit and vegetable suppliers Bangladesh Corporation UK Ltd following intelligence received that immigration offenders were working there.

Barking and Dagenham Post: A worker is questioned by a Border Agency officer.A worker is questioned by a Border Agency officer. (Image: Archant)

But when their vans pulled up to unit one of Portland Commercial Estate in Ripple Road, people were seen darting out into the warehouse next door.

In the adjacent unit, Amblex Ltd was in its first week of business supplying clothes manufactured abroad to retailers including Marks & Spencer and Next.

After inspecting both premises, officers found four men working illegally at Bangladesh Corporation UK Ltd and another two men working illegally at Amblex Ltd.

A 24-year-old, two 28-year-olds and a 34-year-old were arrested for overstaying their visas.

Two men, aged 34 and 45, were placed on immigration bail while their cases were progressed.

Bangladesh Corporation UK Ltd was served with a notice of potential liability and could face fines of up to £40,000 - £10,000 per illegal worker – unless it can prove the correct employment checks were carried out.