Man arrested over suspected modern slavery in South Oxfordshire

Police and other agencies were targeting anti-social parking and dangerous obstructions linked to garages in Pettiwell and Littleworth.

Author: Ellie RobsonPublished 10th Feb 2026

A man's been arrested after police discovered a suspected case of modern slavery during checks at two industrial estates in South Oxfordshire.

Officers were responding to ongoing issues with problem parking and blocked roads at sites in Pettiwell and Littleworth when two people were found locked in a windowless room.

A 37-year-old man from Oxford was arrested on suspicion subjected another person to slavery, servitude, or forced/compulsory labour following the discovery of two persons seemingly locked in a small, windowless room at the back of one of the garages.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries and issued with a Community Protection Notice.

A Closure Order has been placed on one of the business premises. A Proceeds of Crime Act application has been made and granted.

Thames Valley Police also dealt with several vehicles for being on the highway without a valid MOT.

Six adults were also handed to immigration officers.

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