Benefit cuts could force Merseyside families to turn to loan sharks

With tens of thousands of families across Merseyside among the hardest hit by benefit cuts and rising energy costs there are fears it could force many to turn to loan sharks to put food on the table.

More than 150,000 people across the region are affected by the £20 a week cut to universal credit that was introduced earlier this week.

Now Crimestoppers are warning some could turn to illegal lenders out of desperation.

Gary Murray works with Merseyside Police to track down those preying on the vulnerable :

"As people see Natioinal Insurance going up and Universal Credit coming to an end there is a danger that more people will feel no alternative to get loans from loan sharks to pay bills.

"Be very wary that you are getting into an arrangement that is very difficult to get out of and the interest goes up very fast and be aware that you could be threatened with violence, you could be asked to carry out criminal activities".