Fourteen women have been saved from sexual slavery, with five people arrested.

Police executed five warrants today (March 30) in various roads in Harrow as part of an operation to tackle modern slavery offences.

The warrants were carried out in Station Road, Hindes Road and Stirling Road.

Four men and two women, all aged between 22 and 37, were arrested for a variety of offences including suspicion of holding a person in slavery, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that one of the addresses searched was identified as a brothel.

Specialist officers are now supporting the fourteen Romanian women who were found at the addresses, and police are still on site at many of the addresses as searches and enquiries are ongoing.

Acting Detective Inspector Nick Bland from Central Specialist Crime, said:

“Unfortunately, this type of exploitation is still happening across London and the UK. The Met’s modern slavery team have been working around the clock to identify people involved in sexual exploitation.

“This operation is one of many where we safeguard hundreds of victims each year.

"We need the public’s help as they have an important role to play in recognising and reporting modern slavery. If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, report it. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.

"Often those affected do not see themselves as potential victims of sexual exploitation and many will have been coerced into this life to make money for an organised crime network.

"We believe there are victims of modern slavery in every borough across London and the public may encounter them every day, possibly without realising. As well as being sexually exploited, victims have been found working in construction, domestic servitude, agriculture, cannabis factories and in places you use yourself, such as car washes, barbers and nail bars.

"Victims are often told the police and authorities in the UK are not to be trusted and with limited English the victims are unable to seek help, even if they want to."

If you suspect that you, or someone you have come into contact with, may be a victim of modern slavery or trafficking and require support, call The Salvation Army’s 24 hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.