A Norwich letting agency which sparked complaints about missing deposits and rental payments is now at the centre of a criminal investigation.

Complaints have been lodged against Castle Estates (Norfolk) amid claims it has left landlords and tenants out of pocket.

Last night, Trading Standards confirmed that it was helping Norfolk police with its inquiries as part of an alleged fraud investigation.

It comes as one landlord said the firm – previously based on Sprowston Road – still owed him £1,190 in rent and £695 from a deposit, which he claimed had not been paid into a secure account. He said: 'We first chose Castle Estates (Norfolk) because we thought we would do the honourable thing and support a local business – and to begin with they came across as reasonably professional.

'But after two to three months communications began to slow and we always had to chase things.

'Rental payments began to be two to three weeks out of sync and we got no direct response. Then there was a point where we didn't get any rent for February, March or April.

'At the moment we feel like we are chasing dead ends all the time, but we realise that we are one of the many people waiting to hear more.'

Stephen Phillips, the director of Castle Estates (Norfolk), 47, declined to comment. And despite further efforts to contact him by telephone and email, there has been no response.

The Evening News began investigating Castle Estates (Norfolk) after receiving a complaint from a landlord about a missing rental payments.

It discovered that:

• The company had changed its office address twice in the last two months, first to Norwich and then to Sussex.

• It had more than £6,000 in outstanding County Court Judgements.

• And it had been reported to Trading Standards by consumer-protection organisation the Property Ombudsman for misusing its logo online.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council Trading Standards said: 'We have received complaints about this business which suggested they have ceased trading at the Sprowston Road location. The complaints received include those about landlords not receiving deposits or rent.

'Our enquiries showed that Castle Estates (Norfolk) were no longer trading. We welcome the police investigation and are helping them with their enquiries.'

According to Companies House, Castle Estates (Norfolk) registered a new address for the business on May 20, from 97A Sprowston Road, Norwich, to 3 Maltby Court, Norwich.

Since then, the address has changed again on June 4 from 3 Maltby Court, Norwich, to Office 8, 10 Buckhurst Road, Bexhill-On-Road, East Sussex.

Meanwhile, two County Court Judgments (CCJ) have been lodged against Castle Estates (Norfolk) - one for £3,322 on April 10 and a second for £3,080 on April 24.

Mr Phillips is also the sole director of the property management company Homestyle Portfolio Solutions, which has an outstanding County Court Judgement for £396.

The company's website states that Castle Estates (Norfolk) is a property-management company operating in Norfolk, Norwich, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, Diss and Lowestoft

At the time of publication, the company still had 10 rental properties listed on its site.

It was also advertising that it was a member of the Property Ombudsman, which enforces a strict code of conduct and investigates complaints about its members.

A spokesman for the Property Ombudsman said: 'We had some enquiries about Castle Estates (Norfolk), which we have directed to Trading Standards. We have also made a complaint to Trading Standards about a misuse of the Property Ombudsman logo on the Castle Estates (Norfolk) website because its trading membership to the body ceased in April.'

A statement from Norfolk Police said: 'Norfolk Constabulary can confirm that there is an ongoing criminal investigation regarding Castle Estates (Norfolk).'

• Have you been affected? Contact Business writer Ben Woods on 01603 772426, or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk

• If you have complaint about the business, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau consumer service helpline on 08454040506