Human trafficking victims found

Eleven potential victims of human trafficking, including six children, have been identified by police in a national day of action.

Five adults and six children under 18 who displayed indicators of traff i c k i n g we r e found working in nail bars during the multi-agency operation onTuesdayandarenowbeing offered support.

One person has been detained for human trafficking offences and two others arrested for immigration offences by Police Scotland, with an additional 12 arrested by Immigration Enforcement.

The operation, the first nationwide day of its kind, involved 430 police officers supported by 50 colleagues from HM Revenue and Customs, Immigration Enforcement, British Transport Police (BTP) and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.

They visited 221 premises across Scotland including farms, beaches, car washes and nail bars.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston, of Police Scotland, said: “Human trafficking is a sickening trade in vulnerable people.”

Mr Houston urged people to contact police if they suspect someone is being exploited and may have been trafficked.

Officers were also involved with awarenessraising work in transport hubs, portsandrailway stations in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.