Immigration officials arrested six suspected illegal workers as they raided Twickenham Stadium during its centenery celebrations.

Police swooped on the stadium as thousands watched an anniversary match between England and Wales last Saturday.

In total, six people - from Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia and Ghana - were arrested for immigration offences.

Metropolitan Police officers and officials from the UK Border Agency were at the stadium for several hours checking the paperwork of employees, among them bar staff, waiters and security guards, working on match day.

A Richmond police spokeswoman said: “The operation was one of many multi-agency initiatives used to ensure the safety and security of all those visiting the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

“The operation was completed with the full knowledge and co-operation of the RFU. The checks were completed as staff arrived for work. At no point were staff removed from their posts or positions left un-manned.”

Following the raid, the addresses of those arrested were also searched but police said nothing of any significance was found.

Tony Smith, London and south east regional director for the UK Border Agency, said: "Our officers, along with colleagues from the Met Police, were involved in an operation to check staff at Twickenham Stadium.

“The venue co-operated fully with our operation. A total of six people from Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia and Ghana were arrested for a variety of immigration offences. “They will now face removal from the country.”

Last Saturday’s match saw England beat Wales 30-17, and was watched by Prince William and Prince Harry, along with cinema-goers across the country who for the first time ever were treated to a screening of the Six Nations game live and in 3D.