FIVE people from the West Midlands and one from Dorset have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in an estimated £200,000 self assessment fraud.

Among those arrested were a 44-year-old man from Stourbridge and a 32-year-old man in Dudley.

Four men and one woman were detained by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) yesterday (June 3) at four different residential addresses in Dudley, Stourbridge, Birmingham, and Dorchester. Another man voluntarily attended a police station in Wolverhampton where he was arrested.

They were all questioned on suspicion of claiming false repayments on their self assessment returns between 2011 and 2015.

Richard Wentel, assistant director of criminal investigation at the HMRC, said: “This action sends a firm message to anyone involved in or considering fraud against HMRC.

“We will not hesitate to investigate those suspected of stealing money from vital public services.

“Anyone with information about people who may be involved in tax fraud can contact the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

The six people were questioned and bailed until December 2015 but investigations into the suspected fraud continue.