There are reports that as many as 26 Irish people were detained by police in Australia investigating an alleged home renovation scam in Perth.

On Thursday, police detained seven Irish nationals - including two boys (17) from the same family - over the alleged fraud.

But police say a further 19 people - all believed to be Irish women and children - have now been arrested as part of the same investigation.

It is believed two of these have now been released.

Broadcaster ABC says they have all had their visas cancelled.

It is reported that AUS$120,000 (€84,819) in cash and two Rolex watches were seized after a search warrant at a caravan park in a Perth suburb.

Police believe they were operating in at least two states and were targeting the elderly - with some of their victims said to be older than 90.

Irish Times journalist in Australia, Pádraig Collins, told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk what could happen now.