Modern slavery investigation - Police appeal for witnesses

Officers discovered that the woman escaped from an unknown property

Detectives are appealing for witnesses as part of an investigation into modern slavery in Manchester.  
 
At around 5.30am on Thursday, March 5, 2020 a Vietnamese woman was found by officers on Littleton Road in Salford after a concerned member of the public contacted police.

Officers later discovered that the woman escaped from an unknown property where she was forced to operate as a sex worker.
 
Enquiries have established that the woman had taken three buses across Greater Manchester after walking for 26 hours.

She explained to police that she got on one bus and travelled for approximately half an hour.
 
Members of the public kindly offered the woman food and money after she bravely asked for help.
 
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who recalls speaking with or seeing this woman across Greater Manchester between 3am on Wednesday, March 4 and 5.30am on Thursday, March 5.

An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.
 
Detective Inspector Yanica Weir of GMP's Salford District said: “This woman has endured a terrifying life changing experience, one that no-one should ever have to be put through and our specialist officers are supporting her through this incredibly distressing time.
 
"We are appealing to anyone who recalls helping this woman in the early morning of Thursday, March 5 or anyone who thinks they might have seen her to contact police.
 
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries in an attempt to trace the property where the woman was being held and would urge anyone with any information about this to get in touch as soon as possible.”
 
Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161 856 2895 quoting incident number 363 of 05/03/2020.
 
Information can be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
 
Modern Slavery is an area that GMP has increased understanding around.

Police do see increased reporting but this is because they are getting better at looking for it and supporting those that are most vulnerable.

GMP has specialist officers trained to support victims of modern slavery and force tactical advisor to support investigators.

All cases of modern slavery are treated seriously and it is one of the forces key priorities.

We have developed strong partnerships with local authorities, NGOs and international partners to support the most vulnerable.

If you suspect someone is at risk or would like to report an incident to us, you can report this via the modern slavery hotline via GMP's website for non-emergencies.

Always call 999 in an emergency or Crimestoppers, anonymously.

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