POLICE have charged a company and three people following an extensive investigation centred on Ducky’s Park Farm - a petting zoo and tourist attraction based in Flookburgh.

Detectives from Titan (North West Serious and Organised Crime Unit) and financial investigators from Cumbria Constabulary have been involved.

Representatives from Cumbria World Limited, Moor Lane, Flookburgh, will appear at Furness Magistrates' Court, Barrow, on September 5.

The company faces two charges of fraud by false representation. Police say both charges are in connection with fraudulent disclosures made in order to make a financial gain.

Michael Anthony Milner, 48, of Field Broughton, appeared at Furness Magistrates Court yesterday charged with arson at Ducky’s Park Farm, Moor Lane, Flookburgh, on July 4 2016. He also faces eight fraud by false representation charges and one of breaching a Company Director's Disqualification Order and Bankruptcy Restrictions Order. He was remanded into custody to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on September 1.

Malcolm James Keith, 44, of Somme Avenue, Flookburgh, faces two fraud by false representation charges and aiding and abetting Michael Milner to contravene a Company Director’s Disqualification Order and Bankruptcy Restrictions Order. He will appear at Furness Magistrates' Court on September 5.

And Elizabeth Rose Egarr, 59, of Chantry Close, Bolton, has been charged with theft of more than £200,000 allegedly stolen from Arthur Smiths Solicitors.