Modern slavery cases are reported

HUNDREDS of potential slavery victims – some from Barnsley – were referred to South Yorkshire Police in the last year.

The latest Home Office figures show 261 potential modern slavery cases were referred to the force for investigation in the year to June – and of them, 66 were aged 17 and under.

The total number is up from 172 the year before.

Across the UK, modern slavery referrals for suspected victims have risen.