HM Customs have raided two homes in Bradford in dawn swoops, arresting two men on suspicion of being involved in organised crime and VAT fraud.

The raids were part of a series of planned raids on domestic and commercial premises across the country.

In all, 14 people were arrested during the investigation.

No further details as to the nature of the offences the two Bradford men were suspected of were available.

A spokesman for HM customs said that two residential properties in Bradford had been raided and two men, one 31 the other 61, had been arrested.

Martin Greening, HMRC Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation North West, said: "Tackling VAT fraud is one of HMRC's top priorities. We have a duty to stop money being diverted and stolen from the nation in what are often large-scale and ruthless attacks on the VAT system.

"These searches are the result of a lengthy investigation by dedicated officers who work tirelessly and diligently, fighting criminal attacks on the tax system.

"This is not a victimless crime, it is organised crime and causes real harm. Currently 95 per cent of the money the companies under investigation are claiming as owed to them is being withheld while HMRC make enquiries into their business dealings."

The fraud is believed to involve part of an organised crime syndicate operating a network of companies that traded in knock-off designer goods.