A BRIDE and groom were arrested by police and immigration officers moments before they were due to get married.

Two witnesses were also held by the officers in a raid at Oxfordshire Register Office in Park End Street, Oxford, as part of an investigation into sham marriages.

It is understood the arrests were made following a tip-off from the registrar.

Last night the 30-year-old Indian man and his wouldbe bride, a 19-year-old Polish woman, were both being held on suspicion of perjury.

The two witnesses were being held on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration.

Two addresses in Oxford were also raided in connection with the investigation.

The raids followed an undercover operation by officers from Thames Valley Police and the UK Border Agency.

Oxfordshire County Council runs the registration wedding service in the county.

Spokesman Marcus Mabberley said: “A report was made by us to the UK Border Agency about concerns regarding a potential sham marriage.

“Oxfordshire County Council registration service takes such matters extremely seriously and we have a statutory duty to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.”

Home Office figures show sham marriages are increasing in Britain.

Last year, 529 suspected cases were reported by registrars in England and Wales.

This amounts to a 54 per cent increase on 2008.

The UK Border Agency believes the tightening of immigration controls, the economic climate and efforts to clamp down on illegal working are among the reasons for the increase.

Terry Gibbs, from the agency, said: “The UK Border Agency is committed to striking at the heart of illegal immigration and tackling those who attempt to break the rules.

“And if we suspect a marriage is not genuine, we will take action.”

A spokesman for the agency said they were normally warned of suspected sham marriages by registrars.

He said: “People who plan on getting married have to have an interview beforehand to give notice of their wedding.

“Registrars do this day in and day out, so if they believe something is not quite right with the couple, they notify us.”

He added: “An EU national has the right and freedom to live and work in Britain.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk