TWO people were arrested in Barnsley yesterday as part of an ongoing modern slavery sexual exploitation investigation.
A 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested in Stairfoot on suspicion of modern slavery concerning sexual exploitation. They have both been released on police bail.
The arrests are part of an investigation by specialist officers in the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit that was launched in November 2024, after reports of sexual exploitation taking place in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield.
A 23-year-old man and 26-year-old woman who were arrested in December on suspicion of modern slavery offences also remain on police bail.
Detective Inspector James Smith from the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit said: “We know that modern slavery and human trafficking is taking place in our communities in South Yorkshire and is often happening in plain sight on the streets where we live and work. Any information that members of the public can provide is crucial in assisting us so we can identify and protect victims, and those who could be at risk of harm.
“If you suspect someone you know is at risk of exploitation or have any information relating to modern slavery or human trafficking, please report it to the police or via the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700. We take all reports seriously and will thoroughly investigate.”
Anyone with information which could assist officers further with their investigation, please contact them online or by calling 101. Please quote incident number 608 of 25 November 2024. You can also contact them online: www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime
If you don’t feel able to report to police directly, you can anonymously pass on what you know by contacting Crimestoppers. Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or use the secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
