TWENTY victims of modern day slavery were found in Cheshire in 2016 – up from eight the previous year.

Statistics recently published by the National Crime Agency show that one case, which occurred somewhere in Cheshire last year, involved sexual exploitation of a Polish female child.

Out of the 20 victims, eight were investigated by Cheshire Police, with others investigated by local authority, UK Visas and Immigration, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, or BAWSO (Black Association of Women Step Out).

The eight which were investigated by Cheshire Police are two victims of domestic servitude from Syria and Lithuania, five victims, including two children, of labour exploitation from Romania, Slovakia, Vietnam and the UK, and one child victim of sexual exploitation.

In 2015, eight victims were of modern slavery were found in Cheshire, with Cheshire Police investigating one.

Det Chf Insp Simon Blackwell, of Cheshire Constabulary’s public protection directorate, said: “Cheshire police works closely with partner agencies and statutory bodies including the National Crime Agency (NCA) to address modern day slavery.

“The use of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is embedded locally and used by the police and other agencies. The NCA provides data concerning the local and National NRM picture.

“We would not wish to comment directly regarding any specific incidents raised. Cheshire Police where appropriate will report publically on the results of any key investigations at the appropriate time.

“Each individual incident of Modern Day Slavery is taken seriously by the police and investigated thoroughly and we would encourage the community to continue to report any suspected incidents of modern day slavery via the national helpline 0800 0121700.”