UPDATED: Man bailed in modern day slavery investigation

Police executed a search warrant at a house in Albert Street, near to Turf Moor, at 11am.

Officers, supported by the National Crime Agency, conducted the raid following a complaint a white British man in his 30s was being made to work against his will.

An arrest was made overnight and the man, from Nelson, has been released on police bail until May 18th.

He was arrested on suspicion of knowingly holding a person in salvery or servitude.

The raid was carried out as part of Operation Proteus, an on-going investigation into modern slavery and people trafficking.

The man is currently in a safe place where he is being supported by a number of charities and agencies.

Det. Insp. Nick Hodgeson of Burnley Police said: “This is one of the first of its kind in Lancashire and it demonstrates our commitment to tackling modern day slavery and trafficking, protecting the public is at its core. “This area of policing is complex and identifying modern day slavery can be difficult.

“Here in Lancashire we are continuing to raise awareness amongst the public and other professionals about modern day slavery and we would encourage any victims to come forward safe in the knowledge that there is support and help out there for them.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

For more information about modern slavery visit www.lancashire.police.uk/help-and-advice/help-and-advice2/modern-slavery