'Slaves' Rescued In Police Raids

Police in South Gloucestershire and Bristol have carried out a series of raids as part of an investigation into forced labour and human trafficking.

The warrants, which fell under Operation Wanderer, were carried out on Sunday morning.

The operation involved three travellers sites, a business unit and a home in South Gloucestershire, as well as an additional property in Bristol.

As a result, three men, one aged in his 30s, one in his 40s and one in his 50s, have been rescued and taken to a place of safety. In a statement, Avon and Somerset Constabulary said the men are now being given the appropriate support.

Two people were arrested in connection with slavery offences and five others on suspicion of offences including failing to appear, cannabis production, money laundering and handling stolen goods. A significant quantity of cash was found at one of the addresses.

As part of the same operation officers also carried out a drugs warrant at a farm in Somerset where they seized a suspected stolen trailer and cannabis plants.

Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation into forced labour and human trafficking five weeks ago following intelligence built up by CID.

Head of CID, Chief Superintendent Julian Moss, said: "This is an ongoing and dynamic inquiry; our primary aim is to safeguard and protect vulnerable victims.

"We know from talking with other police forces and charities such as Unseen that victims in such cases are often forced to live and work in poor and unsanitary conditions, sometimes with little or no pay. Some of those affected will not view themselves as victims and, even if they do, may have been unable to speak to the police or any other authorities for a variety of reasons.

"To the outside world the fear and intimidation faced by victims of forced labour on a daily basis are difficult to comprehend. Today's operation is a very visible statement of our intent to protect people from this type of exploitation."

South Gloucestershire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, the National Crime Agency and specialist charities, such as anti-trafficking organisation Unseen and the Red Cross have all been involved in the operation.

Of those arrested on Sunday, six have been bailed pending further inquiries. They are men aged 59, 24 and 45 and women aged 23, 59 and 43. Another man, aged 63, remains in custody at this time.

(JP/IT)