Pair arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery offences

Police officers executed a warrant at five addresses across Manchester, Derby, Thames Valley and the West Midlands

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery offences.

Yesterday (Thursday), police officers executed a warrant at five addresses across Manchester, Derby, Thames Valley and the West Midlands.

A man aged 28, and women, aged 46, were arrested on suspicion of Section 1 and 2 of Modern Day Slavery Act.

This in relation to an incident that took place on Broughton Street, Manchester on Monday, March 2, 2020 which involved a woman being taken by the occupants of an vehicle.

The victim is being supported by trained officers in a safe location.

Whilst officers were at the address in Thames Valley, officers discovered a large cannabis farm.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Mossop, of GMP’s Modern Slavery Coordination Unit, said: “GMP takes reports of modern slavery seriously and this investigation is still ongoing.

“Measures taken to tackle the spread of COVID-19, may see victims of modern slavery more isolated and hidden from view than normal however, I would always encourage victims of modern slavery to come forward and report their situation to the police.

"Our utmost priority is safeguarding those people we believe to be exploited and make sure they have full access to the appropriate support.”

If you think slavery is happening or are in a situation yourself, call the police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, call the modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.

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