TWO women have been rescued and eight people have been arrested on immigration offences as police continue their crackdown on modern slavery.

 

Police said the two women, who are Romanian nationals, were rescued from a house in Burnley on Wednesday. They have been taken to a place of safety pending their deportation to Romania.

 

Officers said three other Romanian nationals were visited in Blackburn and safeguarding measures have been put in place.

 

And eight people were arrested for immigration offences in Burnley. They are expected to be deported at a later date.

 

The latest operation comes on the back of two 20-year-old Romanian women being rescued from a property in Burnley on Tuesday.

 

The week of action, arranged by the National Crime Agency, was aimed at clamping down on those who sexually exploit others for financial gain, and in particular those who use the internet to ‘trade’ in human beings.

 

DCI Mark Vaughton said: “Unfortunately slavery isn’t confined to the history books, but is happening around us – and is probably closer than you think.

 

“Modern slavery can take many forms, but one of these is sexual exploitation.

 

"We know there are people across Lancashire who have been recruited or trafficked with threats, deception and coercion and we are working tirelessly to identify them to remove them to safety, and to arrest those responsible.

 

“Our aim this week is to continue to build upon the work we’ve already done in making people across Lancashire aware of modern slavery and encouraging people to report any suspicions to us.

 

"It’s important to remember that we won’t stop after this week and that work is undertaken 365 days a year.

 

“We are now urging members of the public to follow our social media accounts, where we will be posting updates on the work we’ll be carrying out, as well as general advice and guidance.”

 

Anybody with information or suspicions about trafficking or slavery is asked to call police on 101 unless there is an immediate danger in which case they are asked to call 999.

 

Lancashire Victim Services offer help and support and can be reached on 0300 323 0085.

 

There is also a national Modern Slavery Helpline offering confidential help and advice, who will also take reports of information. They can be reached on 08000 121 700.