OFFICERS on Friday executed a warrant in Barnsley as part of a modern slavery sexual exploitation investigation.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery concerning sexual exploitation.

The warrant was executed at a residential address as part of an investigation launched by specialist officers in the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Unit in November following the receipt of reports of sexual exploitation taking place at an address in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Sedgwick from the Modern Slavery Organised Immigration Crime Unit said: “We know that modern slavery and sexual exploitation are taking place in our communities in South Yorkshire and any information from members of the public is crucial to helping us protect vulnerable people who are potential victims of exploitation.

“We are determined to keep people safe and pursue those who exploit others and cause harm through Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

“If you suspect someone you know may be at risk or have any information which may relate to modern slavery or human trafficking, please report it to the police or via the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700. Any information provided to the police will be taken seriously and reviewed and thoroughly investigated.”

Anyone with information which could assist officers further with their investigation, please contact us online or by calling 101. Please quote incident number 608 of 25 November 2024. You can contact police online here: www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

A police spokesperson said: “We know that not everyone feels able to report to police directly, so you can also report anonymously and pass on what you know by contacting Crimestoppers. Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or use the secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”