Eight arrests made in operation to tackle modern slavery in South Yorkshire
Officers executed 16 warrants last week across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Worksop and Dronfield
Eight arrests have been made as part of an operation to tackle modern slavery and sexual exploitation across South Yorkshire.
Officers executed 16 warrants last week across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Worksop and Dronfield, while working with agencies including Immigration, local councils and the fire service.
It comes after an investigation was launched into allegations a number of vulnerable women had been trafficked to the UK and were being forced to work in a massage parlour.
Two men aged 55 and 41 years old were arrested for modern slavery and human trafficking offences, as well as on suspicion of drugs offences.
Six people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Potential victims of modern slavery were also located and were spoken to by charity workers specialising in fighting human trafficking.
Detective Sergeant Donna Simcock, who led the operation, said:
"We unfortunately know that premises such as massage parlours are locations which are more likely to involve individuals who are subject of trafficking, either into the UK or within the UK.
"Our efforts are focussed into identifying such premises and working with partners to liberate and safeguard these vulnerable victims.
"Our priority this day was to safeguard the vulnerable victims in this horrific case. The force do not seek to target or criminalise those who find themselves working within the sex trade and we work closely with non-government organisations and the third sector across South Yorkshire to ensure that individuals are signposted to services."