'Sham marriage' suspects arrested in city centre

A suspected fake bride and groom were marched through a busy city centre after they were arrested on suspicion of taking part in a sham marriage ceremony, officials in Britain confirmed today.

The dramatic scenes played out in the centre of Sheffield yesterday morning after UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers swooped on the couple at the city’s Town Hall.

The 29-year-old Pakistani groom, who was wearing a shirt and tie, was brought out across the pavement in handcuffs to a waiting van along with his 35-year-old Slovak bride, who was wearing a striped top and a cardigan.

The scene was watched by dozens of shoppers and city centre workers.

Five wedding guests were also detained.

The UKBA said the operation was part of planned nationwide action to tackle illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised immigration crime.