Man Lives In Van

Published 26th Aug 2015

A man was forced to live in a van in Bolton for up to a fortnight after he answered an internet advert in Poland for work in the UK.

The 20-year-old told police he was promised payment but had not received any money, and had been told to stay in the back of the vehicle.

Greater Manchester Police believe other men may have been staying inside the white Fiat Ducato, which is thought to have been parked in Old Kiln Lane in Heaton, Bolton, between August 4th and August 18th.

The victim spoke to police on August 17 who have launched a human trafficking investigation.

Detective Constable Phil Warburton said: “From what we have been told, we believe other men may have been staying inside the van and we are keen to trace where this vehicle is.

“We are obviously concerned of the welfare of these people and are eager to find out if they are okay.

“We are particularly keen to trace the van's registration number.

“We understand it was parked on Old Kiln Lane between Tuesday 4 August and Tuesday 18 August 2015 and I would ask anyone who may have seen it or witnessed anything suspicious to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5992 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.