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Moment asylum seeker with no right to work in UK is caught selling sandwiches – and tells police he was doing ‘favour’ for friend
Police in West Mercia arrested an asylum seeker after officers stopped his van and found he had no right to work in the UK. The case was part of a month-long operation targeting immigration offences and suspected exploitation linked to businesses such as delivery services.
The man said he was delivering sandwiches as a favour for a friend. Operation Lockstream resulted in 31 arrests, 104 vehicle stops and 26 vehicles seized; officers also issued an estimated £6,800 in fines, recorded 28 traffic offence reports and filed 18 intelligence reports to support investigations.
In short
- A sandwich delivery led to an immigration-related arrest.
- The arrest was part of a month-long West Mercia operation.
- Police stopped 104 vehicles and seized 26.
Explained simply
People seeking asylum can usually stay in the UK while their claim is considered, but are generally not allowed to work. Limited exceptions may apply, including for some people who have waited a long time for an initial decision and meet other conditions.
West Mercia Police’s Operation Lockstream focused on suspected immigration offences and possible exploitation in businesses such as delivery services. The figures reported cover arrests, vehicle checks, seizures and other enforcement activity during the month-long operation.
The case raises questions about how work restrictions are enforced and how police distinguish between paid work and other arrangements. The man told officers he was delivering sandwiches as a favour for a friend; an arrest is not the same as a finding of guilt.