UK: 3 Olympic security staff arrested in Newcastle on suspicion of immigration offenses

LONDON (AP) — Three people hired to work as Olympic venue security staff in Newcastle have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offenses, British officials said Friday.

The arrests come after Newcastle City Council earlier this week replaced G4S — the company providing security at its Olympic stadium — with local firms amid concerns over the company's staffing shortfalls. The city in northern England is hosting Olympic soccer matches for both men and women at St. James' Park.

Council press officer Nigel Whitefield confirmed Friday that the three people were arrested by local police working with U.K. border agents. Whitefield declined to say what jobs their jobs were, referring calls to London Olympics Organizers who he said hired them.

London Olympic organizers declined to comment.

Northumbria Police said the arrests took place Wednesday on suspected immigration offenses, which could mean anything from overstaying a visa to working illegally.

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