Two people were arrested in Weybridge moments before a suspected sham wedding was due to take place.

The Algerian groom was due to marry his French bride before he was arrested by Home Office immigration enforcement officers.

A sham wedding could include one where a non-European national marries someone from the European Economic Area to gain long-term residency and the right to work and claim benefits in the UK.

Officers put a stop to the ceremony at Weybridge Register Office on Tuesday, June 25, at about 11.30 after they received information the relationship may not be genuine.

Officers also interviewed weddings guests and found an Algerian man who was an immigration offender.

The 23-year-old groom and a 20-year-old wedding guest were arrested and detained pending removal.

Both had overstayed their visas and were living in the country illegally at the same address in Weybridge.

The operation was carried out with the full co-operation of the superintendent registrar.