Four held in nail bar ‘slavery’ raid

FOUR people have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and slavery offences after police raided a nail bar.

Officers from Avon and Somerset launched the operation on Monday morning after receiving a phone call reporting concerns for a woman’s welfare.

Police attended the nail bar in the Southmead area of Bristol where a woman was found and taken to a place of safety.

Searches were carried out at the premises and a residential address in the St Paul’s area and the four people were taken away by cops.

Police said those arrested were three women, aged 46, 24 and 21, and an 18-year-old man.

Temporary Det Insp Mike Ray said: “We received information raising concern over the welfare of a woman.

“We acted on this information swiftly and officers attended a business premises to locate the woman and take her to a place of safety.

“She’s now receiving all the help she needs from agencies with expertise in supporting victims of modern slavery offences.

“Our priority is to ensure all potential victims are safeguarded and a full investigation is carried out to identify any criminal offences.”