Three men working for an Ilford cleaning company are being deported back to Pakistan for staying in the UK illegally.

The men, aged 23, 24 and 56 were arrested at Cleaner the Betta, in Ley Street, by officers from the UK Border Agency on Wednesday.

Two had over-stayed their work visas and the other is believed to have entered the country illegally.

They have been detained before being deported to Pakistan.

Border Agency officials also made six arrests at Kamros Cash N Carry in Fir House Creek Road, Barking, on Thursday.

The arrested workers are facing deportation after over-staying their visas.

Both businesses could be fined up to �10,000 for each illegal worker unless they can prove that the correct checks were carried out on their employees.

Assistant UK Border Agency director Steve Fisher said the operations “sent out a message”.

He added: “Employers who take on illegal workers are both fuelling illegal immigration and damaging the majority of legitimate east London businesses who play by the rules.

“This is why we have the power to hit those who break the law with heavy fines and more operations like this are planned.”