Three arrested as part of human trafficking investigation in Lancashire
Two young women have been found at an address in Blackburn as police carried out a raid as part of a human trafficking investigation.
Two young women have been found at an address in Blackburn as police carried out a raid as part of a human trafficking investigation.
Officers found them at an address on Accrington Road last night - they've been taken to a safe place and are being spoken to by specially trained officers.
Three men in their 30s have been arrested in connection with an investigation into human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The action came as part of an on-going police enquiry into human trafficking.
Two women in their 20s were found at the address – they are believed to have been brought to the UK from Romania.
DI Mark Vaughton, of East CID, said: “These arrests are part of our on-going work under Operation Proteus, in which we have a dedicated team working to identify both the victims and perpetrators of trafficking and slavery across Lancashire. “This is a complex area of policing, but this activity shows our commitment to tackling this issue and I want to reassure the community that we are here to listen to your concerns. I would urge anyone who suspects that someone is being treated in this way to contact us.”
Anyone with information or concerns should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Lancashire Police have issued advice on signs to spot potential victims:
• Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, or appear withdrawn • Rarely allowed to travel on their own, seem under the control and influence of others or appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work • Live in dirty cramped or overcrowded accommodation, and could be living and working at the same address • Have few personal possessions and often wear the same clothes • Little opportunity to move freely and may have no identification documents or travel documents retained • They may be dropped off and collected for work on a regular basis either early or late at night • Victims may avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and fearful of law enforcers