Bail has been given to two 'exploiters' arrested during raids to rescue believed victims of modern slavery.

Officers took the two men, aged 34 and 68, into custody following a police operation on Tuesday (March 8).

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: "A 68-year-old man and a 34-year-old man have both been released on police bail pending further enquiries."

The 34-year-old was detained in Ermine Road, Hoole , in the early hours of Tuesday.

Four victims of labour exploitation, three men and one woman, were believed to have been living in cramped conditions at an address in the street.

Police arrested the 68-year-old at an address in Weybourne Close, Saltney , where a slavery victim is thought to have been living in a caravan at the back of the property and being controlled by the owner.

People are 'tricked by crime groups'

Following the arrests, Cheshire Constabulary public protection directorate head Detective Superintendent Serena Kennedy said: “We have removed five people from their atrocious situation and arrested two of their exploiters.

“This operation highlights the fact that modern day slavery is happening here and now, and in Cheshire.

“People are being tricked by organised crime groups into coming to the UK with a promise of a good job and a better life.

“Instead, they are forced to live in terrible conditions and working for little or no money.

“Very often they have very little opportunity to move freely, they are completely controlled by their abusers and therefore it is very difficult for them to get help."

Cheshire Constabulary said they were working hard to find victims of modern slavery.

If you have any suspicions, or think that something isn’t quite right, then call police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.