BOLTON chain stores are thought to have been among those targeted by a Blackburn family of 12 at the centre of a massive £200,000 fraud investigation.

A husband and wife with 10 children ranging from five to 17 years have been quizzed by Lancashire detectives probing complicated shoplifting schemes.

A police swoop discovered the family had 49 separate bank and building society accounts containing £140,000 and £16,000 in cash. In addition £4,500 worth of gift vouchers and credit notes were discovered, believed to have gained as the indirect result shoplifting sprees.

The police refused to name the family but revealed a man aged 42 and a 40-year-old woman have been released on police bail until October 2 while inquiries continue.

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