CHORLEY businesses have been raided by Fraud Squad officers in a crackdown on a £200,000 nationwide credit card scam.

Lancashire Fraud Squad officers swooped on businesses throughout the country following a two month investigation sparked off in Chorley.

Seven men, from the West Midlands, West Mercia and South Wales, were arrested on Tuesday and brought to Chorley and Leyland police stations for questioning. More are expected to follow.

They are said to be businessmen involved in the catering industry and garage operations.

Six other police forces from throughout England and Wales, including Leicester and Dorset, have been involved in the investigation led by Lancashire Police's Cheque and Card Fraud Unit.

The arrests were prompted by a complaint about credit card fraud in Chorley.

Detective Insp Peter Tracy, leading the investigation, said: "We are questioning the men in connection with missing credit card numbers. As yet nobody has been charged.

"Enquiries are still continuing and we are looking to arrest a further three or four people."

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