Sexual Exploitation, Forced Marriages And Human Trafficking, Eight Arrested

Police have arrested eight men following an investigation into human trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced marriages in Bristol.
The inquiry was launched last month when two women, aged 18 and 21, reported incidents of sexual exploitation against them at a property in the Eastville area of the city.

 The pair also gave details about the arrangement of forced marriages, Avon and Somerset Police said.

 Six warrants were carried out at four addresses in Bristol and two in the Hockley area of Birmingham. 

 A 42-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of trafficking, rape and assault, and has been remanded in custody.

 The seven other men are from Bristol.

 Two men, aged 38 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and have been released on bail. 

 A 24-year-old man was arrested for money laundering and was also bailed.

 Three men were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

 Immigration officials are also investigating a 30-year-old man suspected of taking part in a forced marriage.

 Detective Inspector Peter Highway said the two young women were taken to safe accommodation and supported by The Salvation Army. 

 "There is a significant amount of work still to do on this inquiry and we are focused on ensuring victims of suspected human trafficking are protected and offenders are brought to justice wherever possible," he said.