A major operation targeting abuses of the immigration system has seen officers arrest 47 people across the UK, Merseyside Police said.

Raids were made on 10 restaurants and four other premises when search warrants were executed by police earlier.

Detective Superintendent Steve Moore of Merseyside Police, which led the arrests, said the developments were "the result of a lengthy investigation into abuse of the immigration system".

"We have been working closely with colleagues in partner agencies and as a result have arrested a large number of people for offences under the Immigration Act.

"These offences include the facilitation of illegal immigration and other offences under the Immigration Act. During the course of the operation, 14 addresses nationwide have been targeted and are currently being searched," he said.

The restaurants targeted were in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, Sheffield and Kent areas.

Two residential and two business addresses also raided are in the Greater Manchester area.

The joint agency operation was carried out by the Force Crime Operations Unit with officers from four other forces, United Kingdom Immigration Service and the Department of Work and Pensions.

The people arrested are being held at police stations across England and are being interviewed by police and immigration officers.