A private investigators says it has launched a new service for families who want to know more about prospective marriage partners.

UK Private Investigators says the service is aimed primarily at the South Asian community.

The 'Arranged Marriage Investigations Service' looks to ensure that a prospective bride or groom is a suitable prospect for marriage and is not hiding something that could harm their intended spouse or damage the family. UK Private Investigators says it will be one of just two agencies in the UK to offer this service.

Whilst Arranged Marriages in their traditional sense are no longer as popular within the community, many couples are still introduced to partners through wider family contacts.

Some sons and daughters still favour their parents' guidance in identifying the right spouse.

Timothy Burchell, head of UK Private Investigators, said, "Entering into an arranged marriage is a lifelong commitment and many families want to ensure the integrity and suitability of the person their daughter or son is intending to marry.

"In recent years, more people have been meeting online or in the workplace and families have become less involved in the match-making process, so have no idea about a suitor’s real background and need reassurance before the union of marriage is completed".

"We've established our new, dedicated service because we're seeing a big rise in requests to check whether a prospective bride or groom is really who they say they are: whether they are of good character, educated and of the financial standing they or their families claim.

"Anyone who is not genuine will soon be found out. We are highly accurate and offer full international coverage."

The specialist service includes a full background check and verification of any facts or claims stated by the suitor.

"It is carried out in conjunction with the company's international agents based in the Far East, Asia, India, Pakistan and Russia".

Mr Burchell added, "Marriages are built on moral values and beliefs and, for example, the families want to ensure equality between the bride and groom when it comes to education, finances and upbringing.

"A highly-educated daughter or son would not generally be matched with someone who didn't attend school. The idea is to start the relationship on an equal footing, and it can develop into a lasting union."