Ten women rescued in human trafficking raids in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Ten women believed to have been trafficked for sex work have been rescued in raids across Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Officers raided eight properties - seven in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh - in the early hours of Friday morning.

Two Romanian nationals - a 29-year-old man and 30-year-old woman - were arrested during the operation.

Detectives targeted addresses in Glasgow's east end including properties on London Road and Duke Street as well as a flat in Edinburgh less than a mile from the Scottish Parliament.

Police say inquires are on-going.

Detective Chief Inspector Rory Hamilton, Police Scotland’s National Human Trafficking Unit, said:

“Human trafficking is happening across Scotland and it is happening now.

“Adults and children are being trafficked by organised criminal gangs for no other reason than financial gain.

“It is important that people are aware that trafficking exists in their communities. Exploitation takes many forms, including sexual exploitation.

“We need the public to be aware of this often hidden criminality and to report to us if they think someone may be involved in or be the victim of trafficking or exploitation.

“People who are trafficked are victims. We can protect them from harm by identifying and supporting them from the outset.

“If you think someone may be the victim of trafficking and exploitation then contact Police Scotland on 101 or one of our partner agencies."