Eight arrested on immigration offences after raids by Essex Police
Seven men and one wan were arrested in Chelmsford and Maldon
Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after Essex Police carried out checks in Chelmsford and Maldon.
Officers were joined by immigration police, as well as local council representatives to carry out raids across the businesses to check on the legal status of workers, as well as their welfare.
The initiative followed an investigation into modern slavery and organised immigration crime that was suspected to involve the two businesses.
Seven men and one woman were arrested at three separate locations as part of the raids, but many of the checks were positive and posed no threat.
Within Essex, there are several anti-slavery partnerships across the county, with the force working with local councils and charities to support those working in modern slavery, including Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend.
Speaking on the crackdown, Sergeant Matt Dalby from Essex Police said officers were carrying out the visits as part of its modern slavery policy.
"We were looking for evidence of organised immigration crime and to identify victims of modern-day slavery and forced labour, as well as suspects that may be responsible for facilitating that kind of criminality," he said.
“One individual attempt to run from us but he was tracked down and caught. Those detained may initially be reluctant to tell us why they’re at the premises but once they are spoken to away from that environment, they may disclose they are victims of exploitation.
“This is not an issue that many people who live in Chelmsford or Maldon may be aware of, but we have seen examples of people living and working in extremely poor conditions.
"This was an intelligence-led operation, and we will continue to ask the public to report to us whenever they have suspicions or are worried about the welfare of individuals they may encounter."