On Thursday night, police conducted a significant operation related to suspected modern slavery at an abattoir in Greater Manchester, with a linked raid executed in Lancashire where a woman was arrested.

The operation began at 10pm, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, when officers forcefully entered the abattoir while sheep were being unloaded.

During the raid, two men wearing blood-stained overalls were arrested. The first was taken away in handcuffs and escorted to a police van, followed shortly by the second man, who was also handcuffed. Additionally, a third individual was apprehended after being discovered hiding on a nearby roof.

Police engaged with individuals at the abattoir, providing them assistance at a Salvation Army reception centre, which offered food and transportation to safe houses.

This crackdown stemmed from an investigation initiated by a Zimbabwean national who had travelled to the UK under a valid work permit as a slaughterman, sponsored by the abattoir. He disclosed to detectives that he left his position within three months due to mistreatment, ultimately becoming homeless in Manchester.

After reporting to Greater Manchester Police in November, he recounted allegations of receiving only £100 to £200 in cash sporadically, despite reportedly working over 40 hours weekly.

Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough informed the M.E.N. that the whistleblower had been promised accommodation but ended up sleeping in an office within the abattoir.

According to the detective, when the man demanded his wages, he was allegedly told he owed £10,000 for his stay and work permit sponsorship. He also indicated that his working hours were extended with additional responsibilities amidst threats from his employer.

Immigration enforcement officers also participated in the raid conducted by GMP.

In a statement released on Friday, GMP confirmed that two individuals, a man and a woman both in their thirties, were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour under The Modern Slavery Act.

Another man, also in his thirties, was detained after he fled from the premises and attempted to hide on the roof. Authorities identified him as an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK, and he is currently facing processing by Immigration Enforcement. All suspects remain in custody.