The groom in a sham marriage faces deportation after the ceremony was cut short by immigration officers.

The man, who is from outside the EU, was arrested as he was about to be married at Enfield Registry Office, in Gentlemen’s Row, Enfield Town.

His would-be bride was questions by officers from the Home Office but was later released.

The man is now set to be deported.

Enfield Borough Council leader Councillor Doug Taylor said: “These operations are examples of the successful work we are doing with Home Office colleagues to combat immigration abuse in Enfield.

“We work closely with other law enforcement agencies across the area to prevent people from abusing the marriage system in a bid to get round our immigration laws.

“Where we receive information that a wedding may be suspicious we will work with the Home Office who will investigate and, if necessary, intervene and arrest those involved.”