POLICE visited addresses across Hampshire under a slavery crackdown on those trafficking men, woman and children into the sex trade.

As part of the nationwide Operation Perceptional, they visited premises in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Winchester.

Identified victims were offered safeguarding advice and help.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Modern Day Slavery tactical lead, Detective Chief Inspector Fiona Bitters said: “We have a specialist team to work with victims of modern slavery who led the visits.

“With our partners we are showing potential victims that there is help and support available to escape from a life of slavery.

“They may come from countries where the relationship with the police and other authorities is very different to the UK and may not know who to turn to or how to contact them for help.”

The National Crime Agency (NSA) is the Operation Perceptional lead.

Head of NCA’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit Martin French said: “Perceptional sees UK law enforcement working with Europol partners to tackle the threat posed by criminals who traffic men, women and children into conditions of sexual exploitation.

“Coordinated by us, we are working with safeguarding services, business leaders, and charities to share ideas, intelligence and information to identify and take action against offenders, as well as safeguard the victims.

“Tackling modern slavery is a priority for UK law enforcement. Working with national and international partners we will use all the tools available to us to rescue victims and tackle those responsible.”

A short film with further details of Hampshire Constabulary’s response to Operation Perceptional is available on the Hampshire Constabulary Twitter and Facebook accounts.