Seven arrests in inquiry into modern slavery allegations

ThrEE men and four women have been arrested under the Modern Slavery Act as part of an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to force people to work in factories for no pay.

Detectives are questioning the suspects about allegations hungarian nationals have been compelled to work at sites across the East Midlands without pay, police said.

Officers executed search warrants at addresses in Leicester and Narborough on Tuesday morning.

Search teams were at properties in Westover road, in Braunstone Town, Wilberforce road and raymond road, both off Narborough road, Frankson Avenue, in

Braunstone, and Victoria Street, in Narborough.

Men aged 33, 40 and 51 and women aged 27, 30, 32 and 40 have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The force said: “Several people were located within the addresses and are being spoken to by specialist officers. The warrants follow a report received by police in recent months.

“Inquiries have been ongoing since this report by the force’s exploitation team which has resulted in these warrants being executed today.”

Detective Inspector Jenni heggs said her team was joined by officials from the National Crime Agency and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. She said: “This morning’s enforcement represents our ongoing commitment to tackling the issue of modern slavery. The force has previously issued a campaign to focus on raising awareness around the key signs of modern slavery and what to do if you believe you may be a victim or someone you know is.”