Olympic security workers detained over immigration offences

Nothumbria Police have arrested three employees of a security company in Newcastle who they suspect of committing security offences. The individuals were taken into custody before they were due to start work at St James’ Park. The arrests were coordinated with the UK Border Agency.

Although no details have yet been released concerning the identity of the employees it has been confirmed that they were not working for G4S. Early last week worries about G4S staffing caused Newcastle City Council to employ a number of local security firms instead.

The Home Office said the individuals had been arrested the day before the Olympic football match between South Korea and Mexico.

According to a spokesman from UKBA the arrests were a result of routine checks and intelligence. He added that the move proved security checks were effective. He went on to say that it is up to the employers to make sure personnel had permission to work inside the UK.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the safety of spectators and competitors at the Olympic Games remained a top priority and that contingency plans were in place. The issue of security has made the headlines recently because security firm G4S had failed to recruit enough staff. The government has had to bring in 4,700 troops to make up the shortfall.