Two arrested in modern slavery inquiry

South Yorkshire Police have made two arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into modern slavery

Two people have been arrested as part of an ongoing South Yorkshire Police investigation into modern slavery.

A 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested on Tuesday in the Stairfoot area of Barnsley, on suspicion of modern slavery concerning sexual exploitation. They have since been bailed.

The arrests come as part of an inquiry launched in November following reports of sexual exploitation in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield.

A 23-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman who were arrested in December remained on bail, police said.

Det Insp 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."

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