FOR THE second time in less than two years police on the trail of illegal immigrants have swooped on a pair of Perthshire restaurants.

Last night it emerged that a total of four men were detained following raids at curry houses in Pitlochry on Thursday afternoon.

The latest development comes just 19 months after seven asylum seekers were arrested at the same restaurants following a separate investigation by immigration officials.

This week’s raids in Pitlochry were instigated as part of a major crackdown on businesses employing illegal immigrants.

Three curry houses in Inverness were also targeted and a total of 11 men were detained in the Highland capital.

In Pitlochry the raids centred on the Prince of India and Spice of India restaurants, with two men detained at each.

It is understood that police from a unit seconded to the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) organised the raids, which took place at around 5.30pm on Thursday.

Under British law the owners of the restaurants involved could now face prosecution for employing illegal immigrants, if the men are proven to be so.