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Three people have been arrested following a raid at an abattoir.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
He was an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK, GMP said, adding he was being processed by Home Office immigration teams.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The team involved in the late-night raid interviewed 30 workers onsite and seized mobile phones, computer equipment and documentation as its investigations continue.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
“You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n