A BOLTON businessman has been arrested by London police in a money laundering investigation.

Police today searched two homes in Daubhill and the premises of a business in Swan Lane Mill from early in the morning into the afternoon.

The investigation follows a 41-year-old man's arrest on suspicion of money laundering by officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Tactical aid units and crime scene investigators were seen at the two adjoining houses in Newstead Drive, Daubhill, searching the properties and taking photographs.

They also searched a business at Swan Lane Mill.

Police said the suspect was arrested after attending a police station in Greater Manchester by appointment this morning.

He was kept in custody and quizzed by police while his office and the two homes were searched.

Another three men, from London, were arrested earlier in connection with the investigation, also on suspicion of money laundering, and have been bailed until April.

Two men, aged 73 and 44, were arrested on December 5, 2013, while a 61-year-old man was arrested on June 3 last year.

Police refused to confirm the amount of money suspected to be involved in the investigation.

Several police officers went in and out of the Newstead Drive homes — some in tactical aid uniforms and some in plain clothes.

Officers were also seen going into and out of the homes carrying bags and boxes.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers continue to investigate the alleged offences and three other men previously arrested in connection with the investigation, into money laundering, remain on police bail."

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "I saw the police and went over to see if I could help.

"My first thought was that there had been a burglary or break-in but there were so many vans.

"This is a quiet estate and people tend to keep themselves to themselves.

"The family from the house always seemed very nice."

Another resident said: "This is an absolute shocker — for something like this to happen in this estate has come as a big surprise."