THREE workers arrested during a raid at a Bicester food processing firm have been deported.

Immigration officers raided the Just Prepared factory, in Bainton Close, off Charbridge Way, at 10.30am a week ago, after a tip-off.

A total of 10 men were arrested – three had overstayed visas, one was working in breach of a student visa and another was a failed asylum-seeker. The other five were believed to have come into the country illegally.

Of the 10 men held, three have been deported – one man from Pakistan and two from India were returned to their home countries on Saturday.

The remaining seven were given bail while the Home Office applies for travel documents to return them to their home countries.

Just Prepared, which makes salad and vegetable packs, has been issued with a notice of potential liability and could face a fine of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker.

At this stage immigration officers said the firm had all the records it was required to keep under law.

They believe the illegal workers may have used fake documents to get work.

Chief immigration officer Alex Legg said: “The company was issued with a notice of potential liability when we visited last week.

“The UK Border Agency will continue to investigate the case and make a decision as to whether the company will face a fine.”

Each of the seven outstanding cases will also considered by officials from the Home Office and the men may get the chance to appeal for leave to remain in the UK.