Modern slavery arrests in Cornwall

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences in a joint operation between police and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in Cornwall.

A number of migrant workers are also receiving specialist support from the Salvation Army, Red Cross and Cornwall Council following the execution of warrants at a flower picking farm near Helston, Cornwall, on Thursday morning (8 February).

A 61-year-old man and a 41-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences while a 49-year-old man is being held on suspicion of being an unlicensed gangmaster. All three men are local to Helston, and all three remain in police custody.

Around 200 migrant workers were working at the farm and of these, fourteen men and women believed to be aged between 17-40 have elected to seek help through a National Referral Mechanism which means that potential victims are offered support.

Other agencies involved in the operation included HMRC, the Health and Safety Executive and the Department for work and Pensions (DWP).

If you have information about labour exploitation or modern slavery, report your concerns to the GLAA on 0800 432 0804 or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.