FOUR suspected loan sharks have been arrested during raids in Wallasey.

Officers from trading standards, Merseyside Police and the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) executed warrants in Liscard on Thursday, September 20.

An 18-year-old and 60-year-old woman were arrested alongside a 21-year-old man on suspicion of illegal money lending, money laundering and unlawful possession of drugs with intent to supply.

At another property, officers arrested a 44-year-old woman on suspicion of illegal money lending and laundering and an 18-year-old man for unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Cash, documents, electronic devices and controlled drugs were seized during the raid.

All suspects are being questioned by police and IMLT officers.

Head of the IMLT Tony Quigley said: “Loan sharks are unscrupulous criminals who prey on vulnerable communities, charging exorbitant rates of interest and using fear and intimidation to recover monies ‘owed’.

“This criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in Merseyside and we will continue to work with our council and police partners to eradicate illegal money lenders from communities.

“We urge victims of loan sharks to contact us in confidence on 0300 555 2222 and help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone who wants to report a loan shark should call confidential hotline 0300 555 2222 or email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk