Three people have been arrested and 26 dogs seized by police during a raid in Epsom targeting fraud activity this morning (Wednesday, April 28).

Police said that a 23 year-old woman, a 20 year-old woman and a 30 year-old woman were arrested for fraud offences during the operation.

While making the arrests, police found dozens of dogs on site, as well as a number of stolen vehicles.

Said a spokesperson for Surrey Police:

"All the dogs found on the site were examined by a vet at the location. Currently 26 have been seized due to animal welfare concerns or a suspicion that they may be stolen."

"They will continue to receive medical treatment, and microchip enquiries are underway to establish ownership.

"Also found on site were three stolen caravans, two stolen vehicles and a stolen trailer. Enquiries are ongoing to inform the lawful owners."

Inspector Jon Vale, Borough Commander for Epsom and Ewell, meanwhile described the raid as "highly successful".

He added: "I hope that today’s result, and the investigation that follows it, will reassure our partners and the public that we will not tolerate criminal activity in Epsom."

Police said they would be releasing images of the dogs seized in the raids in due course and urged members of the public to contact them if they recognized any of the animals.