VICTIMS of loan sharks in Wirral are being urged to come forward after investigation.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is appealing for information following a recent operation in the borough which identified victims in the area.

Back in March IMLT officers, Wirral Council Trading Standards and Merseyside Police executed warrants at two homes in Wirral.

A 37-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman both remain under investigation for illegal money lending and laundering.

Head of IMLT Tony Quigley said: “Victims of loan sharks often think they have committed a crime by borrowing money, but in actual fact it is the illegal money lender who is breaking the law.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation and have identified potential loan shark victims in Wirral. Loan sharks will not be tolerated in Merseyside and we are working with our council and police partners to bring these offenders to justice.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small, can make a real difference in ridding our communities of this crime."

If you have been affected by illegal money lending, call IMLT 24 hour confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.uk