Three men arrested after modern slavery raid at farm in Crews Hill, Enfield

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences after a raid at a farm in north London.Three men have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences after a raid at a farm in north London.

Met Police detectives carried out a search warrant at the semi-industrial site in Crews Hill, Enfield, on Wednesday, and found 11 adults inside the premises.

They are being supported by specially trained officers and have been taken to a centre where they will receive medical treatment, Scotland Yard said.

A comprehensive search of the farm is currently taking place and so far, £75,000 in cash has been seized.

A person sitting in a dirt field: Police used an armoured truck to access the site (Met Police)© Provided by Evening Standard Police used an armoured truck to access the site (Met Police)The large-scale operation involved 100 police officers, along with colleagues from London Fire Brigade, Enfield Council, Environment Agency, National Crime Agency and the National Food Crime Unit.

Numerous security measures had been installed at the farm and an armoured truck was used to gain entry to the site, police said.

The three men who have been arrested were taken to a north London police station where they remain in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard McDonagh, from Central Specialist Crime, said: "This activity forms part of an investigation into the unregulated distribution of food from this site.

A truck driving down a dirt road: Priti Patel praised the work of law enforcement and immigration agencies (Met Police)© Provided by Evening Standard Priti Patel praised the work of law enforcement and immigration agencies (Met Police)"It is suspected that numerous victims have been exploited for the sake of forced labour.

It was crucial police intervention took place in order to protect those we believe are being exploited and arrest those suspected of forcing them into labour.

He added: "Modern slavery and human trafficking are often hidden in plain sight. We need the public to recognise the signs and report their suspicions to the Modern Slavery Helpline or the police."

Home Secretary Priti Patel, said the hard work of law enforcement and immigration agencies has "helped to disrupt a gang suspected of the most heinous exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable people".

“We will not stop in our commitment to tackle these abhorrent crimes by bringing perpetrators to justice using the full weight of the law and ensuring that victims get the help they need," she said.

Reference: Evening Standard: Imogen Braddick 2 hrs ago 8th July 2020