Published Date:
17 November 2008
A MAN has been arrested after immigration officers swooped on a Hebburn food store.
Chapman General Dealers/ Food Plus in Finchale Road was raided by the UK Border Agency on Tuesday and the Pakistani man was discovered inside.
He tried to flee through the back door, but was caught and detained.
But the shop's manager, who does not want to be named, today claimed the incident was an honest mistake.
He told the Gazette: "The man was my friend and was not working in this shop – he couldn't have been because he didn't know how to operate the tills.
"The shop was closed and he was sitting in the back room, so he opened the door to let the people in when he heard them knocking.
He added: "It turns out his Visa had expired, but I think he will be released in the next few days."
The man has now been detained pending his removal from the UK.
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Last Updated:
17 November 2008 1:45 PM
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Source:
Shields Gazette
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Location:
South Shields
