Three arrested in modern slavery police operation

Three people have been arrested as part of a police and immigration operation to target modern slavery in a town.

Suffolk Police said its officers had joined immigration enforcement officers in Sudbury on Monday to "protect those who are most vulnerable" at sites across the town.

They visited 10 businesses, including car washes, nail bars, barbers, restaurants and convenience stores.

The three arrested people would be dealt with by immigration services, Suffolk Police said.

The force's modern slavery vulnerability advisor, John French, said: "We are committed to tackling exploitation and modern slavery in Suffolk and our priority is to protect those who are most vulnerable and at risk.

"These days of action allow us to focus on specific areas and are vital to disrupt criminal networks.

"Hand car washes and nail bars are unfortunately areas where exploitation sometimes takes place and illegal immigration and illegal working is often linked to wider organised crime groups, which impacts our local communities."

Mr French said information from the public was key in enabling police to identify criminal activity and urged people to report any concerns of exploitation.

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