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Disillusioned Shirley Valentines have set up a website to spread the word about the love rats who seduced them on holiday.

Thousands have become members of the website TunisianLoveRats.com to compare stories and even upload photos to warn other women against the heartbreakers.

They accuse waiters who promise love, security guards who offer marriage and photographers who chase after older women on the site, with women posting their stories of summer romance gone bad.

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One user, called Cynthia53, writes: 'I have recently met a man, in Sousse, he came on strong - to me. Then I found out that on Facebook , he is engaged to an English lady - not me - and I have been told he is married and has children in Tunisia.

'When I asked him all about these subjects, he denied being married, he suggested the fiancee was the one who wanted to marry him and move him to England, and the ultimate insult came on the last day of one of my holidays. I asked what I should do with all these questions, he said I should keep them inside my head.' 

Speaking about a local man named Khalil, user angel69 alleges: 'This guy is a complete money grabbing RAT!!!!!!

'Tall tanned swag look afro style hair dimples loves dancing practically lives in Platinum in kantoui!!!

'Had plenty of not so good dealings with him anyone else had the misfortune of meeting him????'

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In another post, an apparently young user called One Love 2012 asks for help translating a letter from the mother of her Tunisian boyfriend, which allegedly asks her to forgive him so he can still receive his papers and live in the UK with her.

The user tunisiasun comments: 'Even the mothers are full of the same b******s lines - my MIL [mother-in-law] said all that when I was covered in bruises from her son. They can never do wrong!!'

Some users report stories of abuse when they have returned home with their holiday romances in tow, as well as tales of financial ruin.

One conversation thread warns users of the telltale signs to look for when dealing with charming men on holiday.

Meet the locals: Many women get caught out when they form an attachment with men who work in the resorts

Examples include him complaining that his phone doesn't work and he needs a new one, he needs a laptop so he can speak to you when you're back home, rather than going to the internet cafe, and problems with ill health in his family for which he needs cash.

A user, calling herself caramel, explains: 'Many of us have been hurt by actions of a rat. I have read lots of different stories on TLR and think it will be really nice to compile experiences under one thread on tell-tale signs to look out for when rat behaviour is suspected.'

A further section of the website posts pictures of supposed 'love rats' accused by the website members of breaking their hearts or behaving badly.

And one part looks at hotels who have not responded to complaints or are employing staff that the women claim could be criminals.