THE home of the boss of a south Essex taxi firm was raided as part of an investigation into illegal money lending.

John Watson, 51, is the managing director of Andrews Taxis, based in London Road, Benfleet.

Police attended his home in Hall Road, Hawkwell, along with Trading Standards to assist members of the Illegal Money Lending Team as part of a probe into allegations of lending money without a licence.

Mr Watson denies any wrongdoing.

The Illegal Money Lending Team work in partnership with Trading Standards and Essex Police to combat illegal loan sharks.

Also in connection with the probe, officers raided two other addresses - one in Shoebury and one in Southend - where documents and cash were seized. They were unable to find Mr Watson. He later went to Southend police station himself to take part in a voluntary interview with IMLT officers.

Yesterday, Mr Watson spoke to the Echo to address the allegations made against him.

The businessman, who is also the director of Cumberland Packaging Ltd, based in Campfield Road, Shoebury, said: “It’s just one of those things that I will have to deal with. Basically, a man who I am taking to court for unpaid monies has made allegations against me personally, and the police and Illegal Money Lending Team are investigating.

“It is a bit frustrating because this investigation has to be concluded first before any further progress can be made with my court case. They have said it could take two to three months.

“Obviously I deny the allegations. I did go to Southend police station on Tuesday as I was not in when the officers visited my properties.

“I am assisting them with the enquiries and I hope it will all be resolved as soon as possible.”

Mr Watson told the Echo how he was quizzed by IMLT officers in regards to the illegal money lending allegations which have been made against him and was released pending the outcome of the investigation.

Mr Watson has 15 active companies under his name on Company House, including Omega Loans Ltd which was set up in February 2017.

Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the National Illegal Money Lending Team said: “We will continue to work with local authorities and the police. If you’ve have concerns, please get in touch with IMLT on 0300 555 2222.”

An Essex Police spokesman said it was not their place to comment.