Last week five south west police forces took part in a pan-European week of action on modern slavery, looking particularly at labour exploitation. Operation Hornsman was a multi-agency initiative led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The regional response was co-ordinated by Devon and Cornwall Police.

Around 50 police resources were sent to 24 locations in Devon and Cornwall. Two people were arrested for modern slavery and money laundering offences and two for immigration offences. The suspects within the police investigations have been released on bail.

Three potential victims of modern slavery in Devon and Cornwall are being supported into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), operated by the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC), which ensures that victims receive help and support. All are Vietnamese, two adult (one male, one female) and one male suspected to be under 18 years old.

If you suspect that modern slavery is taking place please email [email protected] or call 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at  www.crimestoppers-uk.org