POLICE probing the sudden closure of a bridal firm that left wedding plans in tatters are appealing for all those affected to come forward and help them with their inquiries.

Hampshire Constabulary are stepping up their investigation into the sudden closure of Champagne & Lace Bridal Lounge Ltd which left dozens of brides-to-be high and dry.

Detective Sergeant Trevor Murphy said: “We are interested in speaking to people who have not received what they have paid for.

“We are looking at this case to determine if there has been any criminal dishonesty that is provable in a court of law.”

As previously reported, those who had ordered dresses and accessories from Champagne & Lace Bridal Lounge Ltd in High Street, Southampton, were sent a letter informing them that the shop shut on Friday, July 22.

It asked for claims to be sent to an address in Manchester, which the Daily Echo discovered was false.

Our investigation tracked businesswoman Rena Zhang, who is believed to be behind the business, down to China.

But the 37-year-old said both she and mother, Shuzhen Yuan, would not be returning to the UK.

Companies House records, the Government register of businesses, show Mrs Yuan was the sole director of Champagne & Lace Bridal Lounge when it shut.

But documents also show on December 14 last year her daughter, Miss Zhang, was appointed director for just 27 days.

She ran the previous shop called Rena Zhang Couture which was in the same building but closed last year.

The company behind it dissolved voluntarily on November 2, 2010, before a new business reopened, this time in her mum’s name.

But Miss Zhang told the Echo that her 67-year-old mum was not coming back soon because she was fighting for her life in an intensive care unit of a Chinese hospital.

Yet according to Companies House records, Shuzhen Yuan began proceedings to strike the company from the official register on July 26.

The bid to strike the firm off – which would have curtailed the ability of people to claim their money back – was halted after one of the brides registered her objection with the Government register of businesses at Companies House.

Those affected by the closure or anyone with information is asked to contact PC Zara Cole at Southampton Central police station on 101.