HUNDREDS of people may have been victims of a suspected holiday scam offering discounted luxury holidays, detectives say.

Police this week arrested a woman in connection with an independent travel business in County Durham offering discounted holidays after complaints from members of the public.

Lyne Barlow, from Stanley, was arrested on Wednesday evening on suspicion of fraud by detectives from Durham police's economic crime unit.

The 37-year-old's social media page has been removed and she has since been released on bail with conditions.

A number of customers are said to have contacted Durham police and officers are in the process of gathering all the relevant information from them.

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “We are in the early stages of what is likely to be a complex and lengthy investigation and we are currently speaking to several potential victims.

“It is thought the number of customers runs into the hundreds.

“Anyone who believes they may be a victim and has not yet been in contact with Durham Constabulary is asked to report it by emailing opwentletrap@durham.pnn.police.uk

“Officers will be contacting victims in response to their e-mailed reports as soon as possible to obtain further details.”