THE OPERATION aimed at targeting failed asylum seekers in Bournemouth has been hailed a success.
More than 50 police and Immigration Service officers staged Operation Sartre at Hotel Windsurfer in West Cliff Road, Bournemouth, yesterday.
In all 14 people were arrested during the 5.30am swoop and taken to Bournemouth police station for questioning.
Four Kosovans and five Algerians, all men, were arrested on suspicion of being failed asylum seekers. Two Russians, male and female, a Polish woman and a woman from Kyrgistan were also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Paul Howcroft, assistant director for the Immigration Service in the South West, said: "I am very pleased with the outcome of this intelligence-led operation. While we are committed to providing a safe haven in the UK for those genuinely fleeing persecution, we will identify and remove those who have no permission to be here.
"This operation is an excellent example of the work undertaken by the Immigration Service and partner law enforcement agencies to tackle those who deliberately abuse our immigration system. The success of this operation clearly demonstrates that the Immigration Service has the capacity to locate and remove immigration offenders wherever they may be in the UK."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article