Five arrested following sexual exploitation raids in Bournemouth
Four are being questioned on suspicion of modern slavery offences
Police investigating reports of sexual exploitation involving women in Bournemouth have arrested five people.
Officers carried out a number of raids at addresses in the town overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday (July 2nd and 3rd).
They followed detailed enquiries involving detectives from Dorset Police's Safeguarding Hub into reports of offences including human trafficking.
Two men aged in their 30s, a woman aged in her 30s and a woman aged in her 20s, all from Bournemouth, were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and a money laundering offence.
A fifth man, aged in his 30s and from Bournemouth, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug and possessing a class B drug with intent to supply.
All five have been released under investigation.
Addresses were cordoned off while police conducted searches and secured evidence.
Detective Inspector Amy Wilson, of the Safeguarding Hub, said:
"We take reported offences relating to sexual exploitation and human trafficking extremely seriously and we will continue to take positive action to identify those believed to be involved and safeguard those who are being exploited.
"We would also urge anyone who is the victim of modern slavery offences or any kind of exploitation to please come forward to report it to us, in the knowledge that you will be fully supported and we will thoroughly investigate the matter.
"Furthermore, we would urge members of the public to be vigilant of the signs that someone could be being exploited and to report any concerns to police."
Anyone with information is asked to report it to Dorset Police online, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.