A police raid at a St Albans address early today (Wednesday) following reports of alleged human trafficking at the premises has resulted in the arrest of four people.

Officers from St Albans Police Station, alongside counterparts from the Operation Scorpion unit, intervention and other police teams executed a warrant at 7am in Watford Road .

Four people were arrested at the address on suspicion of knowingly holding another person in servitude.

Those arrested were all from St Albans: a 25 year old man who currently remains in custody; a 21 year old woman, who has been released on bail until April 2; a 61 year old woman, released on bail until May 14 and a 64 year old man, who has been released with no further action.

Detective Inspector Pete Frost, St Albans, said: “A lot of work has gone into today’s warrant and these arrests are a great result for all the teams involved.

“Although this type of crime is rare in St Albans, we will continue to proactively follow up any leads of suspected slavery or trafficking offences. Being able to identify such crimes and deal with them effectively is a priority for us.”

Detective Chief Inspector Amanda Bell, Serious and Organised Crime, said: “Modern slavery covers a range of complex issues and could be happening right now in your neighbourhood.

“After a lot of nationwide campaigning, people are now becoming aware of the signs of modern slavery and reporting it to the police.

“Human trafficking and modern slavery are horrific crimes and I would urge members of the public to report anything suspicion to us, as they could help someone who may not even be aware that they are a victim of these crimes and by reporting it, help change their lives.”

Those involved in slavery may be forced to work in certain types of industries or activities such as factories, fast food restaurants, in domestic service as cleaners or a nanny, or services of a sexual nature.

If you suspect slavery is happening, call the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 or the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700 or visit www.modernslavery.co.uk

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Signs of possible human trafficking include:

• Show signs of consistent abuse or have untreated health issues

• Have no identification documents in their personal possession, and little or no finances of their own

• Be unwilling to talk without a more ‘senior’, controlling person around who may act as their translator

• Sleep in a cramped, unhygienic room in a building that they are unable to freely leave

• Be unable to leave their place of work to find different employment, and fear that bad things may happen if they do