Police swoop on homes over fake injury claims

Two people were arrested in Dewsbury and Wakefield and three others from the Dewsbury and Morley areas attended voluntary interviews as part of the ‘trip and slip’ day of action.

The operation is part of a major investigation by the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) into personal injury insurance claims that are suspected to be exaggerated or false.

A total of 11 people were arrested across the country yesterday by detectives.

The largest claim under examination is £200,000 for ongoing medical treatment supposedly needed to treat back and leg injuries suffered in a bus crash in Pakistan four years ago.

Detectives are also investigating a £15,000 claim for ligament damage and injuries to a finger reportedly resulting from sliding on water in a Bradford supermarket.

In total, 60 officers took part in the day of action, with IFED assisted by West Yorkshire Police.

Other people arrested in the investigation were from Cleveland, Essex, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Leicestershire and West Midlands.

All of those involved in the investigation are between 20 and 60 years old.

Detective chief inspector Dave Wood, head of IFED, said: “The reality is that those who lie about injuries suffered in real or fictitious accidents can expect an early morning knock at their door from IFED detectives.”