POLICE investigating an alleged multi-million pound "cash for marriages" immigration scam today appealed for women who believed their identities had been stolen to come forward.

Officers say there could be hundreds of women in East Lancashire whose identities have been used to provide false documents for women involved in bringing men into the country illegally.

Police say they believe the alleged scam has involved Asian women from this country being paid £7,000 to take part in marriages of convenience in India under a false identity.

After coming to Britain on temporary visas the immigrants then paid another £7,000 for fake documents which gave them permanent residency

Insp Steve Ashley, who is leading the inquiry, codenamed Capital, said: "We would appeal for anybody who feels they have been a victim of this to come forward either by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their local police station. You could say these women have had their identities stolen by other people."

Six people from the Blackburn area were arrested yesterday after dawn raids on five addresses in Blackburn and a flat in Penwortham, near Preston.

A 48-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman are still in custody along with two others and are being questioned by police and immigration officers.

Two others were released on police bail.

Police are investigating whether charges such as conspiracy to defraud the Home Office, perverting the course of justice and bigamy have been committed.