A man and a woman have been arrested as police continue to investigate modern slavery and sexual exploitation in Sheffield.
The 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested in the Stairfoot area of Barnsley on suspicion of modern slavery concerning sexual exploitation and have since been released on police bail.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said the arrests are part of an investigation by specialist officers in the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit that was launched in November 2024, following reports of sexual exploitation taking place in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield.
A 23-year-old man and 26-year-old woman who were arrested in December on suspicion of modern slavery offences also remain on police bail.
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Detective Inspector 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.”
“If you suspect someone you know is at risk of exploitation or have any information relating to modern slavery or human trafficking, please report it to the police or via the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700. We take all reports seriously and will thoroughly investigate.”
Anyone with any information should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting the incident number 608 of November 25. You can also contact the force online here or share information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the anonymous online form here.
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