TWO Penrith companies could face potential fines of up to £20,000 each, after authorities made two arrests relating to immigration offences.

Cumbria Police and immigration enforcement agencies from the Home Office carried out visits in the Eden area on May 22.

A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of 'working in breach of visa conditions' and a second man was also arrested as authorities conducted visits at two separate addresses.

A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was issued to both businesses; both potentially face a fine of up to £20,000 per illegal worker.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The government is tackling illegal immigration and the harm it causes by removing those with no right to be in the UK.

“We continue to work with law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal migration in all its forms.”

On Monday, May 22 immigration officers visited Omega Proteins at Greystoke Rd, Penrith.

One arrest was made, a Romanian female who had failed to regularise her stay in the UK.

The female was subsequently detained for removal from the UK.

A spokesman for the Leo Group, which owns and operates the Omega Proteins site, said: "We cooperated fully with the immigration authorities that day and will continue to do so.

"However, we cannot comment whilst this is still a suspicion, and the investigation is still ongoing."

The immigration officers also visited Shiny Hand Car Wash, Cowper Road, Penrith.

A Romanian male was arrested after failing to regularise his stay in the UK.

The man was given a 28 day notice to regularise his stay in the UK and was released.