A 42 year old woman who was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending has been released on bail.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team working in partnership with Wigan Council executed a warrant at residential address in the Tyldesley area from where they seized documents.

The suspect was released on bail until Wednesday, April 17, while further enquiries are carried out.

Wigan Council's Trading Standards Manager, Julie Middlehurst said: "Wigan Council has embarked on a number of high profile joint campaigns which aim to rid our communities of illegal money lenders and to send out the strong message that illegal money lending will not be tolerated in our borough.

"We will continue to work closely with the England Illegal Money Lending Team to crack down on illegal money lending and to punish those who cause financial misery to some of our most vulnerable residents.

"I would urge anyone in Wigan with information about this kind of activity to contact the Illegal Money Lending team on their confidential hotline."

Nationally the Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured 220 prosecutions, leading to almost 150 years of custodial sentences. They have written off almost £40 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 19,000 victims.

To report a loan shark: Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222; text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003 or e-mail reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk