Thousands of people are using an identity fraud scheme based in Ireland to gain entry into the UK, according to a BBC Radio Four 'File on Four' investigation.

The documentary, which was broadcast earlier tonight, claims applicants seeking UK citizenship are using fake information, including credit card receipts, utility bills and other material to suggest they have been living in Ireland with a partner.

The false information is used as proof of residency in a European Union member state and is submitted to successfully apply for UK citizenship.

A senior garda officer claimed during the programme that hundreds of applications, backed up by fabricated information from Ireland, have been used to successfully apply for UK citizenship.

He said hundreds of credit cards used as part of the elaborate scam have been seized by the authorities in Ireland.