MASSAGE parlours and suspected brothels across Lancashire are set to be raided as police launch a week-long crackdown on modern slavery.

The raids, which will also see nail bars and car washes searched for victims, comes as police today host their first modern slavery conference.

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Police said since January, 158 incident and intelligence reports with reference to modern slavery have been handed to them and since April 1 officers have made nine arrests.

And in May Romanian national Razvan Ursu was jailed for three years after being convicted of running brothels in Blackburn and Burnley.

But police said they fear there are more victims in the county and have asked the public to support anything suspicious.

Officers and staff are set to receive more training on how to spot the signs and support victims of modern slavery.

And Romanian police officers and representatives from modern slavery charities in the country are visiting the county this week to see how police in Lancashire are tackling the issue.

Det Ch Insp Sion Hall said: “Here in Lancashire we want to raise as much awareness about modern slavery as we possibly can, and the aim of this week of activity is to drive home the message that it is happening, possibly right in front of you.

“We need the public to share information with us so that we can disrupt these activities and rescue those who are often living in fear and being subject to various forms of exploitation and abuse. Sometimes they are unaware they are victims, so it could be something that a member of public spots that leads to the discovery of a vulnerable person in need of help.”

Modern slavery involves the recruitment and movement of individuals using threats, deception and coercion for the purpose of exploitation.

Officers said modern slavery takes many forms but the most common are sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude.

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “These crimes can have devastating impacts on the lives of victims, who are often hidden in plain sight, and that is why we are asking members of the public to look closer because often the warning signs are right in front of us.”

The conference will be held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, from 10am. to 4pm.

It is aimed at helping frontline workers from different organisations across the county understand the topic, to recognise the signs and better understand the role they can play in tackling modern slavery.

Anyone who believes someone may be being is asked to call police on 101.