A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following an operation in Bradford today.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from West Yorkshire Police to execute a warrant at an address in the Allerton area.

Officers seized electronic devices and documentation and the suspect was taken into custody and questioned by investigators.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in our communities, and we will continue to work with our partners to tackle this criminal activity.

“If you have been offered a cash loan, then been threatened when you couldn’t pay, had your bank card taken from you as security or if what you owe keeps growing even though you are making payments, then you may well have been targeted by an illegal lender.

"If you, or anyone you know, has experienced any of these things then contact our team in complete confidence for expert advice and support.” 

The IMLT works in partnership with West Yorkshire Trading Standards to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

Anyone with concerns about illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 helpline in confidence on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk.