Man and woman arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences in Blackburn
Lancashire Police have arrested a man and a woman in Blackburn on suspicion of human trafficking offences.
Lancashire Police have arrested a man and a woman in Blackburn on suspicion of human trafficking offences.
Officers raided a property on Azalea Road at around 10am this morning.
Police found two women aged in their 20s when they raided the property in Blackburn at around 10am this morning.
They've been taken to a place of safety and are being helped by specially trained officers.
The raid was part of an ongoing police investigation into human trafficking.
A 26-year old man and a 21-year old woman have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences and are currently in custody.
DI Mark Vaughton, of East CID, said: “Identifying those involved in human trafficking or modern slavery can be extremely difficult. In many cases organised crime groups are behind the trafficking of people into the UK and they will target some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“Today’s activity shows our commitment to tackling this issue and we want to encourage more victims to come forward knowing that there is help out there for them. I would urge anyone who suspects that someone is being treated in this way to contact us.
“I’d like to re-assure people that we do have a dedicated team working under Operation Proteus here in the division and that people will be dealt with professionally and sensitively if they do come forward.”