A SUSPECTED loan shark was arrested early on Wednesday (October 9) when police and specialist finance officers raided a property in West Somerset.

The 36-year-old man, who lived in Holford, was taken into custody to be questioned by investigators from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).

Electronic devices and cash were also seized as a warrant was executed by IMLT working in partnership Avon and Somerset Police.

The IMLT also works with Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, which includes Somerset Council, to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

In a separate raid on Wednesday, the team arrested a man aged 29 and a 27-year-old woman at a property in Highbridge, also on suspicion of illegal money lending.

IMLT acting head Dave Benbow said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in England.

“We continue to work with our partners to take action against those who blight our communities in this way and we urge anybody who has been affected by illegal lending to contact us.

“People can speak to our team in complete confidence for expert help and advice.”

Mr Benbow said figures from the Centre for Social Justice showed more than a million people were in debt to loan sharks in England.

Many illegal money lenders were well known within their communities and were often introduced to borrowers through friends or family members.

Anybody affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk.