News / Crime
Arrests after Bristol raids human trafficking
Two women, aged 18 and 21, contacted police at the end of August to report incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation committed against them in Eastville
Eight men have been arrested in a series of raids in Bristol and Birmingham as part of an investigation into human trafficking.
Two women, aged 18 and 21, contacted police at the end of August to report incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation committed against them at a property in Eastville.
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The women, who have been supported since by The Salvation Army, also told officers about the arrangement of forced marriages.
Yesterday six warrants were carried out at four addresses in Bristol – in Eastville, Easton, Southville and Oldbury Court – and two in Birmingham.
Det Insp Peter Highway, of the Public Protection Unit, said: “We received information at the end of last month about potential offences relating to human trafficking and forced marriages.
“Prior to the warrants being carried out, the two young women were taken to safe accommodation and supported by The Salvation Army.
“There’s a significant amount of work still to do on this inquiry.”
If you suspect human trafficking or modern slavery is happening in your area, call 0800 0121 700 or visit
www.modernslavery.co.uk/contact
The arrests
- A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of trafficking, rape and assault. He has been bailed for these offences until but has been remanded in custody in relation to an outstanding warrant;
- Two men, aged 38 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of trafficking and have been released on bail;
- A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and has been released on bail;
- Three men were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences and will now be dealt with by the immigration authorities;
- A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of taking part in a forced marriage but this inquiry is being dealt with by the immigration authorities;
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