Four arrested after Stockport abattoir raided in anti-slavery investigation
Officers forced entry to the site on Higher Bury Street
Police have forced entry into a Stockport abattoir as part of an ongoing anti-slavery operation across Greater Manchester.
Officers raided the site on Higher Bury Street on Thursday 30th January 2025, while a second warrant took place at the same time at a residential property on Merlin Road in Blackburn, Lancashire.
A man and a woman - both in their thirties - were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and an offence of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
A man - also in his thirties - was arrested at the abattoir after he tried to evade police, fleeing from the site and hiding on a nearby roof. Officers discovered he was an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK. He is now being processed by Immigration Enforcement, Greater Manchester Police said.
The operation took place after police received information alleging a man who previously worked at the abattoir was a victim of modern day slavery.
The claims are that he was forced to live in the abattoir and work around the clock to pay off extortionate debts that were said to be associated with a sponsorship visa and travel expenses, police said.
Detectives worked with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Home Office Border Security and Asylum.
The team involved in the late-night raid interviewed 30 employees onsite, and seized mobile phones, computer equipment and documentation.
Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough from GMP’s Stockport Challenger Team said: “We hope this robust and coordinated action taken in response a concerning report instils confidence in our approach to tackling modern slavery head on.
“Officers spoke with every employee working within the abattoir last night, they were receptive to our presence, and we engaged in good discussions around their working conditions, payment, and terms of employment.
“It’s so important we do this diligence and thankfully there were no further claims of exploitation. We have communicated the support that is available and how to access it should anyone choose to come forward.
“This activity forms one of several active modern slavery investigations within the force. In 2024 we supported more victims of modern slavery and held more offenders accountable for the misery they caused as 80 charges were laid – 40% more than the previous year – and 19 convicted were secured, up from seven, with several cases continuing to progress through the criminal justice system.
“Modern slavery is happening across Greater Manchester, and we encourage anyone who is a victim of this crime, or suspect someone they know could be, to report it. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.
“You can report modern slavery to us using our online crime reporting service."