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24 men have been discovered during a raid at Greenacre travellers site in Leighton Buzzard today, who are suspected to have been held against their will.Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of committing offences related to slavery.
The men were found in “filthy and cramped” conditions, with detectives believing some have been living there for up to 15 years.
After, they were taken to a medical centre and given medical, social and welfare care. The local authority will now conduct all care, with Police liaison officers keeping in close contact.
Those arrested are being held at various Police stations across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.More than 200 officers were involved in the raid, who also found weapons, drugs and money at the site.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean O'Neil said: "The men we found at the site were in a poor state of physical health and the conditions they were living in were shockingly filthy and cramped.
"We believe that some of them had been living and working there in a state of virtual slavery, some for just a few weeks and others for up to 15 years.
"Because of the number of victims and suspects and the size of the site, we needed the assistance of many officers from specialist units today.
"A small number of officers are remaining at the site to complete searches and to liaise with the residents. The offences that are being investigated are extremely serious."
During the operation, Police were assisted by officers from the UK Human Trafficking Centre and joined forces with dog handling units, helicopter and firearm support units, to execute search warrants at the site.
Bedfordshire Police urges anyone with information to come forwards, in confidence. You can get in contact with Bedfordshire Police on 01234 841212, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
The men were found in “filthy and cramped” conditions, with detectives believing some have been living there for up to 15 years.
After, they were taken to a medical centre and given medical, social and welfare care. The local authority will now conduct all care, with Police liaison officers keeping in close contact.
Those arrested are being held at various Police stations across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.More than 200 officers were involved in the raid, who also found weapons, drugs and money at the site.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean O'Neil said: "The men we found at the site were in a poor state of physical health and the conditions they were living in were shockingly filthy and cramped.
"We believe that some of them had been living and working there in a state of virtual slavery, some for just a few weeks and others for up to 15 years.
"Because of the number of victims and suspects and the size of the site, we needed the assistance of many officers from specialist units today.
"A small number of officers are remaining at the site to complete searches and to liaise with the residents. The offences that are being investigated are extremely serious."
During the operation, Police were assisted by officers from the UK Human Trafficking Centre and joined forces with dog handling units, helicopter and firearm support units, to execute search warrants at the site.
Bedfordshire Police urges anyone with information to come forwards, in confidence. You can get in contact with Bedfordshire Police on 01234 841212, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
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