POLICE in North Ayrshire have visited car washes across the area as part of a crackdown on immigration and illegal workers.

As part of a multi-partner operation with North Ayrshire Council and local Trading Standards officials, police say they visited seven businesses in Irvine and the Three Towns.

A Police Scotland spokesperson explained: "Our visit focused on safeguarding workers, immigration compliance, and ensuring fair, legal practices to protect local consumers and businesses."

A total of 16 people were spoken to during the visits to the various businesses - which have not been identified - and officers say that no immigration offences were identified.

However, police said eight people were told to leave the various premises "due to being present without supporting work applications".