Officials from the UK Border Agency's Local Immigration Team raided the takeaway at 4.15pm on Tuesday, acting on a tip-off.

Officers sealed the exits before questioning the workers and checking their immigration status.

One of the workers was identified as a Pakistani man, aged 23, who had overstayed his visa.

He was arrested and taken to Wellingborough Police Station for questioning. The agency is now taking steps to remove him from the country.

The franchisee may face prosecution for knowingly employing an illegal migrant worker. The offence carries a maximum two-year custodial sentence and an unlimited fine.

UK Border Agency regional director Gail Adams said: "Employers who use illegal workers deny legitimate job hunters the opportunity to work.

"This operation shows we will crack down on employers who fail to carry out the simple checks into a foreign national's right to work in the UK.

"We support and encourage employers to comply with the rules but when they fail to do so we will crack down on them."

Yesterday's arrest is part of a Northamptonshire-wide clamp down on illegal working.

Anyone with information about suspected illegal immigrants in Northamptonshire should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.