BIG business fraud rose in the region last year according to figures released today.

There were five reported cases of large-scale fraud totalling £1.865 million - up by more than £360,000 on the previous year.

Cases included a mortgage fraud involving an estate agency, and a restaurant owner convicted of a £180,000 VAT fraud.

Phil Ramsbottom, accountants KPMG's North West forensic accounting partner, said the figures were worrying.

"The fraud we are seeing appears to be the product of less prosperous times."

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