Two people have been arrested following a police day of action targeting modern slavery and illegal employment in Bury St Edmunds.

Suffolk Police worked alongside Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers on Thursday, January 20, focusing on cash-intensive businesses suspected of links to illegal working and modern slavery.

The operation targeted businesses that typically handle large volumes of cash and can be associated with organised crime, including barber shops, nail bars, car washes, fast food outlets, sweet shops and convenience stores.

During the activity, officers identified three individuals as potential victims of modern slavery. Police said the individuals were living in dangerous and extremely unhealthy conditions at one premises.

A man and a woman, both in their 30s, were arrested at a business on Brentgovel Street on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. They were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning and have since been released on bail, with conditions, until March 9.

Both were issued with Civil Penalty Referral Notices and may face enforcement action for illegal working. If found liable, penalties of up to £60,000 per worker could be imposed. A referral has also been made to fire inspectors regarding the living conditions at the property.

Suffolk Constabulary’s Modern Slavery Vulnerability Advisor John French said victims are often too afraid to come forward.

“Often victims of modern slavery are too fearful to seek help,” he said. “They may have been brought into the country illegally on the promise of a job and then forced to work in inhumane conditions, under the threat of deportation and violence. It is usually only through follow-up visits that we can encourage them to speak to us and disclose exploitation.

“Our priority is to identify victims and provide them with access to support services that they may need, whether that is safe accommodation, legal help or health services.”

He added that public support is vital in tackling exploitation.

“It is absolutely crucial that members of the public report anything suspicious to us so we can take appropriate action,” he said. “Only by shutting down businesses that exploit workers can we effectively disrupt the cycle of trafficking and abuse.”

Anyone who suspects exploitation can contact the UK Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700, which is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. Reports can also be made online.

If someone is in immediate danger, police should be contacted on 999. Further information on the signs of exploitation is available via Suffolk Police and Unseen UK.