Human trafficking arrests follow abattoir raid

Officers forced entry into an abattoir in Stockport and a house in Blackburn on Thursday

Three people have been arrested following a raid at an abattoir.

Officers forced entry into the site on Higher Bury Street in Stockport on Thursday, while a second warrant was executed simultaneously at a residential property on Merlin Road in Blackburn, Lancashire.

A man and a woman - both in their 30s - were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and an offence of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

A man, also in his 30s, was arrested at the abattoir after he tried to escape from police, fleeing from the site and hiding on a nearby roof, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

He was an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK, GMP said, adding he was being processed by Home Office immigration teams.

The force said it was told a man had alleged he was forced to live in the abattoir and work around the clock to pay off "extortionate debts" that were said to be associated with a sponsorship visa and travel expenses.

The team involved in the late-night raid interviewed 30 workers onsite and seized mobile phones, computer equipment and documentation as its investigations continue.

Det Sgt Lee Attenborough said: "Modern slavery is happening across Greater Manchester, and we encourage anyone who is a victim of this crime, or suspect someone they know could be, to report it.

"You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available."