A man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after approximately £250,000 was stolen from a 71-year-old from Cheshire.

At around 6:30am this morning (Tuesday 5 August), officers executed a warrant at an address on New Devonshire Square, Salford.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of fraud by false representation

The warrant follows an investigation by Cheshire Police's economic crime unit into the 'sim jacking' of the victim's mobile phone, which has resulted in the theft of approximately £250,000 from the accounts of a 71-year-old businessman from Cheshire.

Detective Constable Hannah Clement, who is leading the investigation, said: "Today marks a significant step forward in what has been a complex investigation into the theft of a substantial amount of money through 'Sim-jacking'.

"This cyber enabled fraud is becoming increasingly common; it involves hijacking a person's mobile phone number and transferring it to a new sim without their consent.

"Once transferred, fraudsters can then receive texts and calls to that number, including security checks like two-factor authentication, allowing them to take control of the victims bank accounts, allowing them to defraud the victims."

The suspect is currently being held in police custody where he is assisting officers with their enquiries.