POLICE RESCUE VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Cops have launched a human trafficking probe after a “distressed” Vietnamese woman was found wandering the streets.

A worried member of the public alerted cops after spotting the traumatized young woman in Johnstone’s Springfield Park.

Detectives fear she may have been illegally transported to Scotland via France to be exploited by a criminal gang.

The young woman, who is believed to be in her early 20s, is now receiving specialist support from the authorities.

Officers were last night interviewing the victim through an interpreter in a bid to establish how she came to be in Renfrewshire and how she managed to flee her captors.

Detective Chief Inspector Gerry McBride, of Paisley CID, said the woman is being helped by specialist agencies.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I can confirm that we are supporting a potential victim of human trafficking who came to the attention of the police earlier this week after a member of the public reported finding her in distress in Johnstone.

“Th e individual, who was unharmed, is currently being assisted

by support agencies and we are currently seeking to establish the circumstances of how she came to be in the local area.”

Police Scotland say many human trafficking victims are forced into the sex trade or made to work in cannabis farms against their will when they arrive in the UK.

A force spokesman added: “Victims end up being controlled, isolated and pushed into criminal activity against their will.

“Many victims don’t speak the language of the host country and many have no means of contacting anyone outwith the circle of other victims, traffickers and those using victims.

“In some cases victims have had organs harvested and most live with the constant threat of extreme violence.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.